Traditionally, the European Anchovy population of the Adriatic Sea was divided into two subpopulations (regions GSA 17 and 18). However, since 2014, assessments have been performed on the entire area considering that many Italian vessels fish in GSA 17 but land in GSA 18, and no genetic difference has been found between regions (Ruggeri et al. 2016)(Angelini et al. 2021)(GFCM 2023). There is, nevertheless, a northeast coast population genetically differentiated likely due to the uniqueness of the coastal habitats found there (Ruggeri et al. 2016).

The fishery for small pelagic fish in the Adriatic Sea targets two species, the European Anchovy and the European Pilchard. The fishery is managed through the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), with regulations and recommendations binding to all member states, including the European Community (GFCM n.d.). Management at the EU and national levels complement regional efforts. Members exploiting these stocks are Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Albania, and Montenegro (European Parliament 2022).