It is yet to be determined if the European anchovy considered in this profile belongs to the same stock as that in the Gulf of Lions as larvae transport from French to Spanish waters suggest, or a separated entity supported by comparing length structure and mean weight at age time-series in both areas (Giráldez et al. 2021). Furthermore, several studies point to a single and homogenous anchovy population in the Northwestern Mediterranean (Tudela et al. 1999)(Viñas et al. 2014). Nevertheless, here we assumed the division of management units presented by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) along the Spanish and French coasts in the Mediterranean Sea, according to the assessments performed: Northern Spain (Mediterranean) (GSA 06) and Gulf of Lion (GSA 07) given the different exploitation rates as well as the difference in growth rates and age structure identified in both areas (Giráldez et al. 2021).

The anchovy is part of a fishery targeting small pelagics (including Trachurus sp., Scomber sp., Sardinella, Sardine and others) (Giráldez et al. 2021).