Linking sea and land systems through food web models and value chains: a portrait of the Ebro Delta (NW Mediterranean Sea)

Abstract In various parts of the world, the fisheries sector is undergoing a rapid transition due to a combination of ecological and economic stressors. In this context, there is a growing interest in employing integrated ecological-economic tools that facilitate the adoption of ecosystem-based fisheries practices within a value chain perspective. These tools aim to contribute to find management options that decrease ecological impacts while increasing socioeconomic benefits. Our study integrates a food-web model with a value-chain model for an area of the Mediterranean Sea. This case study may provide valuable insights for decision-makers: 1) it allows the calculation of indicators that go beyond species evaluation and fisheries incomes, which are relevant for assessing fisheries management; 2) it offers a more comprehensive perspective on what should be considered priority fisheries species and their key characteristics; and 3) it supports the identification of key actors of the fisheries value chain and generates pertinent information to use in vertically integrated decision-making initiatives.