Sardines (IMAGE) Stony Brook University Caption Sardines are among a class of fish known as forage fish, small prey fish that are a critical food source for marine mammals, seabirds, and many large fish species. Their excessive removal can undermine or even collapse marine food webs. Credit IOCS Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.