Mediterranean Coastal Fish Biology and Ecology

The Mediterranean Sea hosts a relevant number of emblematic species and habitats, which give rise to high diversity and endemism. Coastal fish cover several extremely important roles in marine ecosystem functioning, and many species are highly exploited by fisheries and support the economy of several locations/countries. However, despite their high relevance to the ecosystem, biological and ecological aspects for most species are still little known and studied. This is particularly true for small cryptobenthic and uncommon species and great efforts are required in this direction. Furthermore, the current invasion by non-indigenous fishes represents a threat to indigenous species and the ecosystem as a whole.



This Research Topic aims to collate new research on biological and ecological aspects of coastal Mediterranean fish. Aspects related to the interactions (or exploitation) between fisheries and coastal fish fauna will also be taken into consideration. In fact, the populations of various fish species are overexploited by fishing and the search for new technologies and knowledge aimed at better management are extremely urgent and necessary. Factors such as "meridionalization" and "tropicalization" also deserve to be investigated, as they are leading to profound changes in the distribution of coastal Mediterranean fish diversity.



The scope of this Research Topic is to publish original and high-quality manuscripts on the several aspects of fisheries, biology and ecology of Mediterranean coastal fish species. All original works will be considered, as well as review or policy and affairs manuscripts, related to conservation management plans and insights into the biology and ecology of these species in the Mediterranean.