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 co-management 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.