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 increasing interest in using integrated ecological–economic tools to support ecosystem-based fisheries practices within a value chain framework, aiming to reduce ecological impacts while ensuring 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 the evaluation of species 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.