As small pelagic fish, they are a more sustainable seafood choice with lower mercury levels compared to larger predatory fish [15]. 3. Fisheries and Stock Management

The global sardine industry faces significant environmental and regulatory challenges:

The popularity of the subject has even extended into tabletop games, such as the Sunny Day Sardines card game [34].

Sardines belong to the family Clupeidae [5, 14]. Key species include the European sardine ( Sardina pilchardus ) [4] and the Pacific sardine ( Sardinops sagax ) [33].

Many regions, such as the Iberian Coast and the Mediterranean, have seen historical declines in recruitment [2, 23].

Comprehensive Report: The Sardine (Clupeidae) Executive Summary

They are microphagous filter feeders, consuming plankton [5, 13]. They exhibit strong vertical migration, typically staying at depths of 35–55m during the day and rising to 13–35m at night [5]. 2. Nutritional and Health Benefits Sardines are increasingly recognized as a "superfood" [19]: