Emerging research for the effective co-management of small-scale fisheries

Small-scale fisheries account for 40% of global fish catch, employ 90% of the world's fishers, and play a pivotal role in food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable resource utilisation for a substantial portion of humanity. Fisheries co-management is now widely considered to be the most appropriate, fair, and effective form of governance for small-scale fisheries. While fisheries co-management will continue to grow, its implementation does not guarantee positive impacts for food security, nutrition, livelihoods, or biodiversity. This article explores the question ‘what makes fisheries co-management succeed or fail?’ by synthesising emerging research, the outcomes of which, if adopted, would substantially improve the potential for positive impacts of fisheries comanagement systems across ecological and social dimensions. We synthesise 20 key concepts across four thematic areas: i) Ethics, laws, and principles, ii) Fisheries management, iii) Social structures, and iv) Managing for impact. It is envisioned that the successful adoption of these concepts into co-management regimes will help transform small-scale fisheries into engines of prosperity, inclusion, and sustainability.