Abstract This perspective paper examines transition pathways that move small‐scale fisheries from vulnerability towards viability. We understand ‘vulnerability to viability transition pathways’ as integrative and one that extends beyond economic concerns to include social, political, cultural and ecological aspects of small‐scale fisheries. Our findings draw on a reflexive and qualitative assessment of country‐specific case studies from across Africa and Asia to collaboratively identify transition pathways reflected in these contexts. Common pathways that emerged included: (1) building governance networks and partnerships; (2) centring small‐scale fisheries tenure and rights; (3) advancing a gender and intersectional perspective on viability pathways; (4) enhancing opportunities for ecologically sensitive and diversified livelihoods; and (5) co‐creating and co‐producing the knowledge required to catalyse transition pathways. Outcomes of this analysis provide context‐specific foundations upon which to further co‐develop a research agenda on small‐scale fisheries vulnerability to viability transitions. Insights from this analysis also contribute to the identification of the transdisciplinary capacities needed to build more viable and resilient small‐scale fisheries in the context of ongoing debates about blue economy expansion, and in relation to country‐level commitments to implement provisions of the FAO small‐scale fisheries guidelines. In advancing a vulnerability to viability pathways lens, this paper frames small‐scale fisheries transitions as governance‐mediated, justice‐oriented, relational and inherently non‐linear processes. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Muhl et al. (2026) studied this question.