Fisheries Management Models in the Mediterranean Sea: An In‐Depth Review

ABSTRACT This study presents a bibliometric review of fisheries management models in the Mediterranean from 1992 to 2024, with the aim of assessing progress and identifying research gaps. Key countries were analyzed for their contributions, while emerging trends were explored through keyword analysis. The review covered 878 documents, highlighting the variety of models used to assess ecological impacts on Mediterranean fisheries. In particular, the “Assessment for All” (a4a) model emerged as the most widespread, used in 23% of studies, demonstrating its acceptance by researchers. Within the Stock Assessment Models category, a4a was followed by SPiCT and XSA, which were also frequently applied, reflecting their relevance and adaptability in data‐limited and data‐rich fisheries contexts. In the Ecosystem Models category, Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) was the most utilized tool, widely applied for representing trophic interactions and evaluating ecosystem‐based management scenarios. MaxEnt led in the Species Distribution Models (SDMs) category, valued for its predictive performance using environmental data. Although specific names were often not reported, economic models were also commonly used, indicating the growing incorporation of socio‐economic dimensions in fisheries research. ISIS‐Fish was the most employed within the Population Dynamics Models, allowing detailed simulation and assessment of the impact of different management strategies on fisheries, fleets and ecosystems. In the Statistical Models category, Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) dominated, appreciated for their flexibility in modeling non‐linear relationships. Lastly, the Princeton Ocean Model (POM) was the most frequently used in Hydrodynamic and Biogeochemical Models, highlighting its capacity to simulate physical and ecological marine processes.