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ABSTRACT Coastal fishery resources shared by Belize and Mexico emphasize the need for bi‐national conservation and management strategies. We used the recreational flats fishery as a model to: (1) evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a mixed‐methods approach for fishery conservation and management and (2) propose a general strategic plan to guide conservation and management that also benefits biodiversity of aquatic resources. The approach consisted of gathering local knowledge, observing participants, reviewing literature, and interviewing key representatives of the flats fishing community, resource managers (governmental and co‐managers), academia and non‐governmental organizations, followed by online surveys, to rank overall findings and prioritize concerns identified by a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. Our findings indicated that science, education, conservation, and management were important. The strategic framework included goals, objectives, strategies, and outcomes that will depend on validation and collaboration amongst sectors to generate information and application to fisheries and protected areas (PAs) management to benefit local communities, national economies, and preservation of biodiversity. Prioritized needs included: (1) science to address habitat loss and degradation, overharvest, habitat use conflict resolution, fishing pressure, and protection of key habitats for all life cycles of target species; (2) education and awareness to increase knowledge, address fish handling practices, and guide conservation and management decision‐making; (3) inclusion of the flats fishery in conservation plans, PAs, development, and economic plans; and (4) improved enforcement of regulations to ensure sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The cobia (Rachycentron canadum) is important to fisheries in Northeastern Brazil. To restore stocks in Rio Grande do Norte, cobia were stocked and the fishery was monitored over 4 years. We evaluated effects of stocking on cobia size composition in this data‐limited fishery to understand stocking limitations and explore possibilities for future projects. Total length of cobia was significantly shorter after stocking than before stocking, with mostly small fish caught mainly by nets, an unusual pattern for cobia. Total length also varied significantly among bottom types. Most of the cobia harvested were below the size at first maturity, which suggests that stocking increased the catch, but most fish harvested were immature, thereby potentially hindering stock recovery. For future projects, we recommend against the use of plastic tags for tagging hatchery cobia and propose releases that emulate natural spawning dynamics, alongside releasing fish at older ages. Further, we recommend robust post‐stocking fishery monitoring, and management strategies, such as a release of net‐caught cobia in the initial 2 years and incorporating validated fisher knowledge into decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper presents the design and development of a coastal fisheries monitoring system that harnesses artificial intelligence technologies. Application of the system across the Pacific region promises to revolutionize coastal fisheries management. The program is built on a centralized, cloud-based monitoring system to automate data extraction and analysis processes. The system leverages YoloV4, OpenCV, and ResNet101 to extract information from images of fish and invertebrates collected as part of in-country monitoring programs overseen by national fisheries authorities. As of December 2023, the system has facilitated automated identification of over six hundred nearshore finfish species, and automated length and weight measurements of more than 80,000 specimens across the Pacific. The system integrates other key fisheries monitoring data such as catch rates, fishing locations and habitats, volumes, pricing, and market characteristics. The collection of these metrics supports much needed rapid fishery assessments. The system’s co-development with national fisheries authorities and the geographic extent of its application enables capacity development and broader local inclusion of fishing communities in fisheries management. In doing so, the system empowers fishers to work with fisheries authorities to enable data-informed decision-making for more effective adaptive fisheries management. The system overcomes historically entrenched technical and financial barriers in fisheries management in many Pacific island communities.

From December 2012 to June 2014, 796 Pacific guitarfish were caught in 183 fishing sets in northern Peru. Catch occurred in 86.3% of sets. Most individuals caught were mature with a bias toward males. The mean total length for females and males was 83.4 cm, and 91.1 cm, respectively. The capture per unit effort (CPUE) was 12.6 ± 3.4 guitarfish (km.12 h)−1. The length–weight relationships showed that this species presents a sexual dimorphism in growth. These results support the importance of Sechura Bay as a key area for this species. This study represents the first species‐specific fishery data for the Pacific guitarfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shellcraft is a livelihood activity that utilizes shells and skeletal remains of marine taxa for producing ornamental and decorative items. Despite an increasing importance of shellcraft in coastal areas of the Indo-Pacific region, information necessary for stakeholders to identify and respond to change through policy and management decisions is often lacking for fisheries that support this activity. To address this knowledge gap, a quantitative approach was taken to evaluate social-ecological factors (the what, where, how much, who, when, how, how often, and how long) in a "shellcraft fishery" centered at the Nusa Islands of Papua New Guinea. More than 151,100 individuals across 69 marine taxa were fished annually for shellcraft at the Nusa Islands; fishing was infrequent and quantities fished were low for most taxa when compared with other small-scale fisheries. Fishing most taxa had no association with the main demographic divisions within households although, in terms of participation and catch richness, women were the main actors. Gleaning, combing, and free-diving were the only fishing techniques used, with taxa primarily fished by gleaning intertidal habitats during the day. To contextualize sustainability of this fishery, local ecological knowledge-based perceptions of stock status for the marine taxa fished were examined. Considerations for governance, which included synthesis of existing regulatory measures and aspirations, are also discussed. Since shellcraft occurs throughout the Indo-Pacific region and there are commonalities in taxa utilized, this study provides a basis for comparative analysis of shellcraft fisheries within the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the informal institutions arising from cultural norms, taboos, and beliefs can improve conservation efforts and resource management in Africa. However, little is known of their potential for governing the management of artisanal gillnet fisheries, as well as, the practices and activities of fishers in Ghana. Here, we explore the practices of artisanal gillnet fishers landing shark and ray as their major components and the informal institutions governing the management of these fisheries. We interviewed 33 active and retired fishers in five fishing communities in Western Ghana, complemented with participant observations to collect data for the study. While fishing effort and the financing of fishing trips vary between fishers using drift gillnets and bottomset gillnets, the sharing systems and payment of crew members are relatively uniform in both fisheries and across the study communities. Despite the absence of state regulation, the species-specific taboos recorded offer protection for Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) and whales (Cetacea), which are considered threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The role of modern religions (like Christianity and Islam) and the influx of different people with different values, beliefs, and cultures explain the erosion of some resource management taboos and beliefs. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of officially recognizing these informal institutions as legitimate institutions for the effective management of imperiled marine species targeted by gillnet fishers at the local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The Indo-Pacific tarpon (Megalops cyprinoides) is a diadromous species, for which limited information is available regarding demographics and exploitation levels. Aim: We aimed to fill critical knowledge gaps on population dynamics and exploitation levels of M. cyprinoides along the south-western coast of India. Methods: Structured length frequency-based population dynamics models were used to determine the growth, mortality and exploitation levels of the species. Key results: Habitat-related variations in growth patterns were found, with positive allometric growth in the marine (b = 3.208), and negative allometric growth in freshwater (2.759) and estuarine (2.876) habitats. Different estimates of natural mortality suggested high fishing pressure, potentially threatening the long-term sustainability of local M. cyprinoides populations. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive estimates of demographic parameters of M. cyprinoides , and contributes significantly to our knowledge required for the management of Indo-Pacific tarpon fisheries. The critical need to address overfishing and habitat degradation to ensure long-term sustainability of local populations is highlighted. Implications: Knowledge generated through this study will help inform improved conservation assessments of this 'Data Deficient' species, in addition to informing the development and implementation of conservation and management plans. The first study on exploitation levels and population dynamics of a poorly known migratory fish (Megalops cyprinoides) based on samples collected from the south-western coast of India showed habitat-related (marine, estuarine and freshwater) variations in growth patterns. Fishing mortality was the greatest in the length range of 25–30 cm, indicating a higher fishing pressure on immature individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fisheries governance in Senegal has undergone a resurgence following international injunctions promoting Marine Protected Areas for sustainable fishing practices. Historically, artisanal fishing practices were not sufficiently regulated, leading to a loss of biodiversity and a reduction in resources. The new context is one of governance favouring the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs). The adoption of sustainable fishing practices by local populations depends on perceptions, but also on local issues and the socio-economic constraints associated with the new norm. A mixed and comparative methodology was used to gather empirical data from a survey conducted in 2014-2015 among 375 stakeholders in Saint-Louis, Kayar and Lompoul,. The study revealed that the adoption of sustainable fishing practices is influenced by local traditions of regulating fisheries resources. Localities not exposed to regulation are more inclined to promote marine protected areas. The implementation of an MPA does not guarantee the desired change in fishing practices towards sustainability. Change must be driven by the responsibility of those involved in the sector and by the application of and compliance with established standards. This perspective takes into account the principle of responsibility and the need to implement inclusive governance, in which common standards should be developed and respected by all.

Artisanal small‐scale fisheries are crucial for subsistence and food security, especially in developing countries. However, artisanal fishers face stressors, such as economic and social marginalization, conflicts, and overfishing. Socio‐economic attributes potentially influence their risk perception. We investigated risk perception among artisanal fishers in a Marine Protected Area through interviews and semi‐structured questionnaires. Risk perception was positively influenced by fishing environment and negatively influenced by a lack of religious beliefs. Offshore fishers faced more operating conditions and time at sea, with higher risk of losses, and perceived more health and conflict risks. Inshore fishers have higher perception of environmental degradation. Prioritizing different risk perceptions is essential for effective fisheries management. Separate management plans for offshore and inshore fisheries are recommended due to varying catch, environmental perception, socio‐environmental risks, and exploited resource characteristics among artisanal fisher groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategies to reduce the negative impacts of fisheries on ecosystems often come into conflict with fishers who have different experiences with, and perceptions of, biodiversity compared to policy makers and fisheries managers. We interviewed 800 fishers along 2400 kilometers of the Humboldt Current System (HCS) coast, assessing fishers' perceptions of the impacts of marine predators on fishing and their proposals to reduce conflicts with small-scale net fisheries. Vessel captains saw seabirds as positive indicators of fish presence along the HCS (mean probability 62.7%). In contrast, sea lions were perceived negatively, affecting catches for all fishers and causing fishing gear damage among gillnet fishers (97.1%). Among different measures suggested by fishers to reduce conflicts with non-target taxa, night fishing and marine protected areas (MPAs) were viewed as least likely to be implemented because these affect fishing performance (6% and 13.1%) through changes to at-sea safety and fishing effort displacement, respectively. In contrast, economic compensation and culling of currently protected sea lions were the most popular but also the most sensitive measures (31% and 33%, respectively). Different dimensions of experiences and perceptions of fishers are key to the bottom-up understanding of interactions in small-scale fisheries. This is especially true when measures to mitigate their impacts do not have any consolidated installation/monitoring, which is a continuing challenge for these types of fisheries globally. This study emphasizes the role of small-scale fishers as a source of diverse ecological experiences and perceptions to complement knowledge on sensitive conservation issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fisheries, particularly small-scale fisheries, is recognized as a source of dietary diversity, food security, and poverty alleviation. Fish is widely regarded as a significant source of protein. Despite the significance of fisheries, it is faced with several challenges such as constant change in climate. This study was conducted to examine the perception of fisher folks on climate change and the relationship between socio-economic characteristics and adoption of climate smart fisheries using semi-structured questionnaire. Perception towards climate change and adoption of climate-smart fisheries were analyzed using statistical inferential statistics. The predictor of co-management as a mitigative measure for climate change in fisheries was also analyzed with an ordered logistic regression technique. The result showed that 92.5 % of the fishers have formal education. Majority of the fishers (98.3 %) have no access to storage facilities whilst 96.66 % have access to market. In addition, 31.66 % of the fishers have access to information on climatic and weather conditions. On the perception of climate change, 47.5 % of fishers perceived decrease in amount of rainfall as evidence of climate change whilst 66.6 % perceived decrease in sea level as evidence of climate change. A few fishers perceived an increase in humidity, change in temperature and wind-storm or sea breeze as evidence of climate change. Again, 48.33 % of the fishers agree to reduction of fleet's carbon emission whilst 33.33 % fishers disagreed to diversifying sources of household income as an adoption to climate-smart fisheries. Additional cost in the beginning of adoption of climate smart fisheries as a constraint was agreed upon by 50.00 % of fishers. The results of the ordered logistic regression show that age, education, having a second source of income and an increase of fuel subsidy are statistically significant to fishers perception of the extent to which co-management could contribute to address climate change was detected.

This work describes the length–weight relationship (LWR) and various reproductive parameters of Sardinella melanura caught by artisanal fishers using gillnets along the coast of Phetchaburi. The LWRs were significant (p < 0.001) in female, male, and combined sexes, with corresponding LWR equations of W = 0.0077L3.0616 (r2 = 0.867), W = 0.0067L3.1055 (r2 = 0.890), and W = 0.0061L3.1473 (r2 = 0.893), respectively. Regression coefficients (b) indicated isometric growth in females and males, while in pooled samples, b showed positive allometric growth. The relative condition factors (Kn) (mean ± SE) were 1.02 ± 0.004 in females and 0.99 ± 0.004 in males, and reached a peak in September. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) reached a peak in September, and the breeding season was between August and October. The relative fecundity estimates (mean ± SE) were 2249.3 ± 80.8 eggs⋅cm–1 and 1037.7 ± 27.9 eggs⋅g–1. The relationship equations for fecundity–length and fecundity–weight were F = 2.6943 SL3.79 (r2 = 0.587) and F = 603.5 + 1012.9 W (r2 = 0.512), respectively. Examples are presented to show how the results of this study could help fishery managers develop appropriate conservation management strategies for this species in the Inner Gulf of Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While women globally make up nearly half of the fisheries workforce, their contribution to the sector has long been overlooked with implications for fisheries management. To assess women's participation in small-scale fisheries (SSF) management and related socio-cultural, environmental, and economic impacts, we conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature (n = 124 case studies). Women had no or limited participation in more than 80% of the examined case studies reporting their participation level in SSF management. Women's exclusion from SSF management resulted in negative outcomes, whereas their active participation was associated with various positive impacts at multiple scales. Most of the documented impacts were socio-cultural, suggesting a gap in documenting environmental impacts stemmed from women's participation in SSF management. Importantly, most impacts reported affected the social-ecological system scale, suggesting that gender inclusion may contribute to improving the management of SSF social-ecological systems. We conclude by highlighting the need to foster gender perspectives in data collection methods used in fisheries research, in SSF management, and in ecological research on SSF social-ecological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small‐scale fisheries are vital to millions of rural people, but surprisingly little is known about the environmental and socio‐economic factors that guide rural peoples' decisions to adopt a fishery‐oriented livelihood. We analyzed data from a large‐scale household survey of 3929 households in 235 rural communities in the Peruvian Amazon to develop multi‐scalar quantitative models to explain engagement in fishing and the relationship between fishing livelihoods and poverty. Households harvested an average of 1000 kg of fish and sold 450 kg over the 12 months preceding interviews. The mean total annual income was 3119 USD per household and fishing contributed 27% to total income. Access to extensive floodplain habitat, geographical isolation, and an available workforce were important drivers of fishing activity, while poor market connectivity and limited financial capital restricted households from increasing the scale of market‐oriented fishing. Wealthier households generally harvested more fish, whereas reliance on fisheries was greatest among poorer households who harvested less fish. Fisheries management and conservation initiatives in developing regions must consider the distinct drivers of fishing specialization across the full wealth spectrum with particular attention to "high reliance‐high harvest" households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local Ecological Knowledge of artisanal fishers (Caiçaras) was employed to investigate various biological aspects of the Whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) in the Sepetiba Bay, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. This included migration patterns, reproduction, feeding habits, and interactions such as parasitism. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 40 fishers in two communities using the "snowball" technique. It was found that the fisher's information coincides with the academic literature for some aspects of the biology and ecology of the species. Furthermore, the fishers provided descriptions of novel patterns, which contributed to a deeper understanding of the species' natural history. These included observations of reproduction occurring almost throughout the entire year, the influence of east and north winds on the species' entry into the bay, interactions with marine catfish (Ariidae), and notable records of the isopod Cymothoidae as an important parasite of the Whitemouth croaker. This study contributes new insights to the ecological understanding of this fish species, which holds significant socio-environmental importance. It also documents changes in the livelihoods of artisanal Caiçaras communities resulting from the increasing anthropogenic activities in the region. Finally, it highlights the species' significance in terms of its sale and consumption within these communities, owing to its relative abundance in the area, despite the environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract It is commonly assumed that beach seining (BS) is more sustainable than bottom trawling because it involves non-motorized operations and limited fishing power. However, no scientific evidence supports this assumption. To address this gap, we evaluated the impact of beach seining, taking a small-scale shrimp fishery in northeast Brazil. Data collected monthly from December 2016 to November 2017 and in literature, were assessed (BS 31,001 individuals, 119 species, 37 families, and 19 orders; BT 6,031 individuals, 58 species, 20 families, and 14 orders). Beach seining demonstrated a lower proportion of bycatch (BS 1:2.3; BT 1:3.2), higher total shrimp catch (BS 87.2 t; BT 65 t), and greater species diversity than bottom trawling catches (BS 119; BT 58). Other aspects were closer associated with bottom trawling, such as the composition of dominant families (Sciaenidae and Pristigasteridae), the proportion of rare species (BS 30%; BT 24%) juveniles (BS 11g; BT 13g), the risk of species extinction, and the composition of ecological guilds. Despite their social significance, both fishing gears showed similar ecological indicators and adverse effects. The findings establish that the ecological concerns related to the impact of bottom trawling are also applicable to beach seine.

Abstract This paper describes the fishing profile and the temporal variation in the commercial landings of elasmobranchs in a global hotspot for their conservation and investigates the variables that influenced the landings. Census data on commercial catches were obtained between April 2008 and October 2010 from nine landing sites in Bragança (Pará, northern Brazil). Five vessel types, four fishing gears, and eight fishing techniques engaged with elasmobranch capture were identified. A total of 2,357 landings were recorded, with a total production of 354 t. The highest yields were recorded in 2009, with sharks being harvested mostly by small and medium-sized vessels, and batoids, by small vessels and canoes. Drifting nets and longlines played a prominent role in elasmobranch fisheries. The results show that the landings were influenced by days at sea, which is common in tropical fisheries. The elasmobranch data series is discontinuous as statistics are absent for most fishing sites albeit imperative for proper management, as well as relevant for decision-makers focusing on their conservation.

Objective: To limit the artisanal fishing zones in the mirror-still water of Bahía Magdalena, by means of interpolation. Design/methodology/approach: Social, economic and biological production data were collected through surveys from a sample of 56 artisanal fishing cooperatives. The data are integrated into a relational database with geospatial reference and geostatistically processed with interpolation methods using a geographic information system. Results: Four zoning maps were established based on the interpolation of the variables target species, fishing effort, extraction volume and sale value. Limitations on study/implications: The remoteness and difficult access to the study area. Findings/conclusions: The methodology can be used at the national level to generate a delimitation of the priority zones for artisanal fishing in Mexico, contributing to decision making and management plans that can consider variables of the fisherman's social life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishery bycatch is a serious threat to several protected, endangered, and threatened species (PETs), requiring urgent action to develop and implement conservation measures. This study performs an Ecological Risk Assessment for the Effects of Fishing (ERAEF) using a spatially and temporally Productivity–Susceptibility Analysis (PSA) to calculate the potential risk to great shearwaters (Ardenna gravis) from direct interaction with the metiers of the artisanal tuna fishing fleet at the Bay of Biscay (baitboats and trollers). The PSA incorporates productivity attributes based on the Fecundity Factor Index; and susceptibility attributes calculated from the species spatio-temporal abundance patterns obtained developing density surface models and distribution and intensity of fishing activity based on pooled Vessel Monitoring System and logbook data. The PSA shows an overall moderate risk to great shearwaters by the artisanal tuna fishery also revealing that baitboats are less risky than trollers (risk score of 3.12 ± 0.09 and 2.70 ± 0.05, respectively). Spatially, the likelihood of presence of high potential risk areas was associated with prey availability for both the PET and the commercial fish species. The systematic, repeatable, and standardized ERAEF followed in this study can be used to advice for ecosystem-based fisheries management to improve management measures for reducing bycatch of PETs around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small‐scale fisheries are a global conservation threat to marine megafauna (marine mammals, sea turtles, and elasmobranchs). There is currently limited information about marine megafauna catch in Thailand's small‐scale fisheries, which is required for effective management.This study represents the first independent catch assessment of marine megafauna in Thai small‐scale fisheries. Data on catch and fisheries effort across 1 year (2016–2017) were collected from questionnaire interviews with 535 fishers in 17 provinces along the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea coasts. Catch per unit effort was calculated for marine megafauna by fishing gear types and extrapolated to estimate annual catches using Thai official fisheries statistics.The annual estimated catches were 5.66 million (95% confidence interval, CI: 4.10–7.82 million) rays, 457,864 (95% CI: 192,352–969,166) sharks, 2,400 (95% CI: 1610–3,537) sea turtles, 790 (95% CI: 519–1,167) small cetaceans, and 72 (95% CI: 19–194) dugongs in Thai small‐scale fisheries.Gillnets had the highest catch per unit effort for all megafauna groups in both sea areas except for sea turtles, where pound nets had the highest catch per unit effort in the Gulf of Thailand. Further, among gillnets, crab gillnets had the highest catch per unit effort for all groups except dugongs, where ray gillnets had the highest catch per unit effort. Accounting for effort, crab gillnets and shrimp trammel nets were responsible for most of the megafauna catch, where crab gillnets contributed 72%–95% of the annual estimated marine megafauna catch. Crab gillnets and shrimp trammel nets were used by 46% and 40% respectively of the interviewed fishers and by 27% and 15% respectively of all small‐scale fishers operating in Thai waters.Restrictions for gillnet fishing effort (crab gillnets specifically) are needed to prevent extirpation of threatened megafauna species that are important for ecosystem resilience and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fisheries bycatch is a critical threat to sea turtle populations worldwide, particularly because turtles are vulnerable to multiple gear types. The Canary Current is an intensely fished region, yet there has been no demographic assessment integrating bycatch and population management information of the globally significant Cabo Verde loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) population. Using Boa Vista island (Eastern Cabo Verde) subpopulation data from capture–recapture and nest monitoring (2013–2019), we evaluated population viability and estimated regional bycatch rates (2016–2020) in longline, trawl, purse‐seine, and artisanal fisheries. We further evaluated current nesting trends in the context of bycatch estimates, existing hatchery conservation measures, and environmental (net primary productivity) variability in turtle foraging grounds. We projected that current bycatch mortality rates would lead to the near extinction of the Boa Vista subpopulation. Bycatch reduction in longline fisheries and all fisheries combined would increase finite population growth rate by 1.76% and 1.95%, respectively. Hatchery conservation increased hatchling production and reduced extinction risk, but alone it could not achieve population growth. Short‐term increases in nest counts (2013–2021), putatively driven by temporary increases in net primary productivity, may be masking ongoing long‐term population declines. When fecundity was linked to net primary productivity, our hindcast models simultaneously predicted these opposing long‐term and short‐term trends. Consequently, our results showed conservation management must diversify from land‐based management. The masking effect we found has broad‐reaching implications for monitoring sea turtle populations worldwide, demonstrating the importance of directly estimating adult survival and that nest counts might inadequately reflect underlying population trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coastline of Sub‐Saharan Africa hosts highly diverse fish communities of great conservation value, which are also key resources for local livelihoods. However, many costal ecosystems are threatened by overexploitation and their conservation state is frequently unknown due to their vast spatial extent and limited monitoring budgets. Here, we evaluated the potential of citizen science‐based eDNA surveys to alleviate such chronic data deficiencies and assessed fish communities in Mozambique using two 12S metabarcoding primer sets. Samples were either collected by scientific personnel or trained community members and results from the two metabarcoding primers were combined using a new data merging approach. Irrespective of the background of sampling personnel, a high average fish species richness was recorded (38 ± 20 OTUs per sample). Individual sections of the coastline largely differed in the occurrence of threatened and commercially important species, highlighting the need for regionally differentiated management strategies. A detailed comparison of the two applied primer sets revealed an important trade‐off in primer choice with MiFish primers amplifying a higher number of species but Riaz primers performing better in the detection of threatened fish species. This trade‐off could be partly resolved by applying our new data‐merging approach, which was especially designed to increase the robustness of multiprimer assessments in regions with poor reference libraries. Overall, our study provides encouraging results but also highlights that eDNA‐based monitoring will require further improvements of, for example, reference databases and local analytical infrastructure to facilitate routine applications in Sub‐Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathways of fresh fish in artisanal fishing: a paradoxical maritime dimension Nowadays fresh sea fish plays a very particular role as an identity marker in the context of the food systems of fishing communities. Given the relationship, continually reiterated by public discourse, between the benefits of its consumption and the paradigm of freshness, we find here a paradoxical intersection with the renewed movement to rediscover Portugal as an oceanic nation. From a holistic, ecological and cultural perspective, we propose here to reveal some moments of the transfiguration of the much-publicized "best fish in the world" along an intricate pathway, from its capture at sea to its presentation as an artisanal product of local origin. That widely reproduced magic motto: "From the sea, straight to your table!" [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have highlighted the relational nature of co-management and investigated which kinds of social network structures define its possibilities to perform, adapt and deal with uncertainty and change. However, there is less understanding about the impacts of disasters and abrupt perturbations on co-management networks. Here we present a social network analysis of the impacts of the 2010 tsunami on co-management in the Chilean fishery. Based on data collected in 21 fisher organizations in the Bio-Bío region, heavily impacted by the tsunami, we assess whether and how co-management facilitating and hindering social relationships have changed after the event, as compared to 16 non-impacted organizations in the Valparaíso region. Baseline data (i.e., 2008) from both regions allows for before-after longitudinal analysis. Our findings show that after the tsunami, co-management networks in Bio-Bío present reduced fragmentation and higher levels of perceived trust among actors in comparison to the non-affected region. A slightly lower tendency towards decentralization was also observed. These findings suggest that post-disaster adjustments have occurred within the same networks. Co-management networks were flexible enough to be rewired as a consequence of abrupt perturbations triggered by the tsunami. Participatory network-based interventions, such as the Chilean MEABR co-management policy, provide a stable and at the same time adaptive setting to respond to coastal disasters.

This study presents a comparison between fishers' knowledge and fiscal records about the structure of inland fisheries in the Paraná River (Argentina). First of all, we characterized the fishing population according to the main demographic and economic indicators, identifying two different fishing areas: the northern and southern sections in the lower La Plata basin. Secondly, we carried out a comparative analysis of fiscal fishery records (from two commercial sets: 1930–1984 and 2011–2019) and local fishers' knowledge on inland commercial fisheries (frequency of occurrence and abundance). Finally, we contrasted current fishing regulations (allowed meshes and boats, fishing prohibitions, exports) to fishers' effective practices. The study area included 52 sites located along the floodplain of the middle and lower sections of the Paraná River, in the province of Santa Fe. Socioeconomic analyses identified two different groups of fishers throughout the river corridor. Results showed that fishers have detailed knowledge on nomenclature, ecology, reproductive strategy, habitat distribution, and usefulness of commercial fish species. By contrasting fishers' knowledge with fiscal records, we found similar and complementary information about the changes in abundance and frequency of occurrence in fisheries. These results highlight the need of including local knowledge as an outstanding source of information for well-planned management of fishing programs and sustainable policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arabian/Persian Gulf ('Gulf' hereafter) is bordered by eight countries that consider fishery as their most important renewable resource. This includes artisanal fisheries, which are a major contributor to seafood production and fishers' livelihoods. Despite the importance of the artisanal sector, in-depth studies examining aspects—like total and country-specific production trends, used fishing gears and main threats—remain limited. Inadequate knowledge about such fundamental aspects could jeopardize the sustainability of fisheries and muddle policymaking. Here, we provide a comprehensive account of artisanal fisheries in the Gulf. Specifically, we examined: (i) magnitude of the artisanal sector, (ii) types of fishing gears used, (iii) exploited functional groups, and (iv) threats to and opportunities for sustainable artisanal fisheries. We show that around 71% of the Gulf total catch is produced by artisanal fisheries, and this trend is growing. The dominating fishing gears are gillnets, traps, and lines—collectively accounting for 72% of the total catch. Among these fishing gears, gillnets alone account for a third of the production. Most of the artisanal catch comprises medium to large fish that are demersal, pelagic, and reef-associated. Fisheries are primarily based on gear restrictions, minimum size of capture, seasonal closures, and spatial restrictions. However, weak enforcement is a core issue for the effectiveness of management regulations. Mismanaged fisheries, coastal development, and climate change are primary threats facing fish abundance and essential fish habitats. Engaging artisanal fishers in management and preserving habitats can contribute toward sustainable artisanal fisheries in the Gulf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although much in the lives of members of the Caiçara small-scale fishing communities of Lázaro and Saco da Ribeira in Ubatuba, southeastern Brazil would suggest hardship, that population expresses a surprising degree of satisfaction with life. In this paper, we use a social wellbeing lens as applied through an ethnographic, mixed methods approach to reflect on this overall sense that lives rooted in small-scale fishing are well worth living despite their many challenges. We see the classic maritime anthropology theme of identity at the heart of meaning and life satisfaction. Identity provides core aspects of how people engage with their realities and anchors values that are reference points in work and social relations. With reference to the relational nuances revealed by the social wellbeing perspective, however, we show that Caiçara and small-scale fishing identities are not monolithic, but reflect gender and other social positions, and personal and familial experiences. These experiences include grappling with the complex effects of economic, social, political, and environmental changes. We conclude by arguing that fisheries policy that seeks to prioritize human wellbeing would benefit by adopting a social wellbeing perspective. Fisheries policy could thereby take into account identity, values, and relational elements of social life that give meaning and a sense of belonging to small-scale fishers, while also recognizing the cross-cutting and often contradictory variations in human experience that arise from social and economic differences. This social fabric of small-scale fishers’ lives shapes their intentions and actions and is thus a necessary complication to the practice of fisheries management that its proponents need to consider. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses the local knowledge of artisanal fishers to assess ecosystem structure, functioning, and fishing impacts within a coastal lagoon in Uruguay. To this end, we used an Ecopath with Ecosim modelling approach based on fishers' knowledge and scientific data. The model considered 23 functional groups, while three fleets represented fishing activities targeting different species. The model output shows a foodweb which spans four trophic levels, including fish species as top predators, such as the flatfish Paralichthys orbignyanus and the tararira Hoplias malabaricus. Furthermore, according to fishers' knowledge, gastropods, polychaetes, and bivalves constitute primary consumers, while detritus and phytoplankton represent the primary food sources. The trophic impact analysis shows that the fish Mugil spp. and Odontesthes spp. generate important positive and negative impacts on most other ecosystem components, while fishing impacts occur at moderate exploitation levels on the targeted fish species. The indicators of the ecosystem effects of fishing including The Trophic Level of the Catch ranging from 2.4 to 2.6, the Primary Production Required showing relative low values of 2.3% and low probability of an ecosystem being sustainably fished alert us to the risk of ecosystem-level overfishing. The vast potential of fishers' knowledge in research can allow the co-creation of new insights into ecosystem structure and function. By including fishers in research, local communities can be empowered and benefit from management decisions through their trust in science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the critical importance of small-scale fisheries for food security and well-being and the role of fishers as stewards of aquatic ecosystems, their future is uncertain. Tackling narratives that portray small-scale fisheries as obsolete, disparate, and inefficient requires collectively imagining and articulating new, creative, and inspiring narratives that reflect their real contributions and enable transformative futures. Drawing on a transdisciplinary country-level case study, we analyze the process and outcomes of co-creating desirable, plural, and meaningful visions of the future for small-scale fisheries in Uruguay. Using an arts-based approach and leveraging the agency of emerging innovative initiatives throughout the country, different food system actors (fish workers, chefs, entrepreneurs) and knowledge systems (local, experience-based, and scientific) were engaged in a creative visioning process. The results of this arts-based co-creation process include (1) a series of desirable visions and narratives, synthesized into an artistic boundary object; and (2) the stepping stones to a transformative space for collective reflection, learning, and action. Although the artistic boundary object has proven instrumental among multiple and diverse participants, the transformative space encouraged academic and non-academic participants to plan collective actions and to feel more confident, motivated, and optimistic about the future of small-scale fisheries in Uruguay. With this paper we provide a tool, a platform, and a roadmap to counter the dominant bleak narrative, while also communicating the elements that constitute desirable futures for small-scale fisheries in Uruguay. On a broader scale, our contribution reinforces the emerging narrative of the key role that small-scale fisheries have, and will play, in local and global food systems.

Artisanal fishing on Fernando de Noronha is directly related to fishing for bait, since commercial fishing depends on these baits. This work aimed to analyze the local ecological knowledge of fishermen about the biology and ecology of the fish species used as bait on Fernando de Noronha (state of Pernambuco - PE) to support the planning of the local activity. Data collection was carried out through interviews with semi-structured scripts containing questions about the socio-economic profile of the fishermen and the biological and ecological aspects of the species used as bait. The data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively, seeking to represent a consensus among the informants and to compare the local ecological knowledge with the scientific literature through the method of comparative cognition and the hypothesis test. Sixty-nine fishermen were interviewed, using false herrings (Harengula clupeola) and mackerel scads (Decapterus macarellus) as their main bait fish, in still fishing and fishing using boats. The hypothesis test, applied to the mentioned results by more than 30% of the fishermen, showed a high degree of agreement between local ecological knowledge and the scientific literature, revealing detailed knowledge of the fishermen on the biological and ecological aspects of false herrings and mackerel scads. Catching bait fish on Fernando de Noronha proved to be extremely important, both for the relationship with artisanal fishing and for the maintenance of local knowledge and culture. The results obtained in this research should foster a very much-needed dialogue between fishermen and those responsible for managing conservation units to create legal and effective mechanisms to meet the demand for bait fish used in commercial fishing and to maintain a sustainable artisanal fishing model for Fernando de Noronha.

Purpose: This study examined the challenges of artisanal fisheries in Zanzibar. The artisanal fishery is among the key segments of the emerging Zanzibar blue economy. Therefore, it is more than significant to examine the challenges of artisanal fisheries for spearheading the blue economy transformation in the country. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted in five villages in Zanzibar with a sample of 333. A cross-sectional research design was applied to generate quantitative and qualitative data. The IBM Statistical Software Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) version 25 was used to code and compute descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages for quantitative while the qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings: Analysis of the data found that lack of capital, traditional and ineffective fishing facilities, poor market systems, overfishing, decline of marine fish stock, absence of fishers’ rescue facilities and weak enforcement of fisheries laws and regulations were the major artisanal fisheries challenges in the study area. Implications/Originality/Value: The study provided strategic recommendations to the governmental and other fisheries stakeholders to take action on the scenario and drastically enable the artisanal fisheries to become sustainable.

The Socotra Archipelago (Yemen), a group of four islands off the north-eastern tip of Africa in the western Indian Ocean, has a population that relies heavily on small-scale fishing for livelihoods and food security. However, the reporting of fisheries catches by Yemen has consistently been incomplete, with artisanal (small-scale, commercial) catches underreported and small-scale non-commercial subsistence and recreational catches not reported at all. Here, we reconstruct the total small-scale catches and fishing effort from the waters of the Socotra Archipelago for 1950 to 2019, and derive catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) estimates for these fisheries. The catch officially reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization on behalf of Yemen that was assumed taken from the archipelago is thought to be around 20% of the total reconstructed catch for the archipelago. The reconstructed small-scale catch increased from ~1,500 t in 1950 to an all-time peak of 12,000 t in 2000 before declining to 3,300 t by 2014. Thereafter, catches increased again slightly to just over 3,700 t·year-1 by 2019. Artisanal catches accounted for around 70% of total small-scale catches prior to 2010, but made up only around 46% by 2019. Conversely, subsistence catches increased from ~1,000 t in 2010 to ~2,000 t in 2019, and accounted for 54% of total catches by 2019. Small-scale fishing effort increased by over 1000% since 1950 and reached over 11 million kWdays by 2019. The CPUE derived for small-scale fisheries declined by 78% since 1950, from 1.4 kg·kWday-1 to 0.3 kg·kWday-1 in 2019, with most of the decline occurring after 2000. Our findings suggest resource overexploitation, and may assist efforts to more sustainably manage the Socotra Archipelago’s fish stocks. Small-scale fisheries support food and nutrient security of the local population, not least during political and humanitarian crises such as in Yemen.

Abstract The riverine population of the Amazon Basin are among the largest consumers of fish in the world, but the consumption patterns could be regionally distinct. Moreover, their total fish catches are not fully known. The objective of this work was to estimate the per capita fish consumption of the riverine people that inhabit the Paciência Island (Iranduba, Amazonas), where there is a fishing agreement in force. A total of 273 questionnaires were applied during the first two weeks of each month between April 2021 and March 2022. The sample unit was the residences. The questionnaire contained questions about the species captured and their quantities. Consumption was calculated by dividing the average monthly capture with the average number of residents per household interviewed, which was multiplied by the number of questionnaires applied. Thirty groups of consumed fish species belonging to 17 families and 5 orders were recorded. The total catch was 3,388.35 kg and the highest monthly catch was 602.60 kg during the falling-water season in October. Daily per capita fish consumption averaged 66.13 ± 29.21 g/day, with a peak of 116.45 g/day during the falling-water season in August. The high fish consumption rate highlighted the importance of fisheries management to food security and the maintenance of the community’s lifestyle.

In the scientific literature on fisheries, the concept of community is often used broadly to indicate a place-based group whose members are dedicated to fisheries and have relatively homogeneous economic, social, and cultural interests. However, this categorical perspective to scope a "fishing community" is not necessarily an insightful approach to explore diverse social relationships with the marine environment, fishwork, and management in a practical context, and risks mismatches with science-based recommendations for management and policy. Drawing from ethnographic work, we highlight different historical and cultural dynamics from four case studies from fisheries in northwest Mexico. We identify key factors that help contextualize fishwork relationships, related to the importance of fishing practices on worldviews, daily routines, and income. These are used to derive three configurations (livelihood, way of life, and job) that describe and give analytical content to the notion of these fishing communities. Our use of a typology is not intended to generalize them or provide universal categories, but rather to convey to a broad range of fisheries scientists the importance of considering social contexts in the places in which we work and learn, and a set of guiding questions that may help in this regard. Contextualizing the importance of historical and cultural factors in scoping community units beyond occupational or geographical characteristics is essential for identifying and addressing (in)equitable processes and outcomes in fisheries sectors, research, and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illegal fishing in small-scale fisheries is a contentious issue and resists a straightforward interpretation. Particularly, there is little knowledge regarding cooperative interactions between legal and illegal fishers and the potential effects on fisheries arising from these interactions. Taking the Chilean king crab (Lithodes santolla; common name centolla) fishery as a case study, our goal is twofold: (i) to model the effect of illegal-legal fishers’ interactions on the fishery and (ii) analyze how management and social behavior affect fishery’s outcomes. We framed the analysis of this problem within game theory combined with network theory to represent the architecture of competitive interactions. The fishers’ system was set to include registered (legal) fishers and unregistered (illegal) fishers. In the presence of unregistered fishers, legal fishers may decide to cooperate (ignoring the presence of illegal fishers) or defect, which involves becoming a ‘‘super fisher’’ and whitewashing the captures of illegal fishers for a gain. The utility of both players, standard fisher and super fisher depend on the strategy chosen by each of them, as well as on the presence of illegal fishers. The nodes of the network represent the legal fishers (both standard and super fishers) and the links between nodes indicate that these fishers compete for the resource, assumed to be finite and evenly distributed across space. The decision to change (or not) the adopted strategy is modeled considering that fishers are subjected to variable levels of temptation to whitewash the illegal capture and to social pressure to stop doing so. To represent the vital dynamics of the king crab, we propose a model that includes the Allee effect and a term accounting for the crab extraction. We found that the super fisher strategy leads to the decrease of the king crab population under a critical threshold as postulated in the tragedy of the commons hypothesis when there are: (i) high net extraction rates of the network composed of non-competing standard fishers, (ii) high values of the extent of the fishing season, and (iii) high density of illegal fishers. The results suggest that even in the presence of super fishers and illegal fishers, the choice of properly distributed fishing/closure cycles or setting an extraction limit per vessel can prevent the king crab population from falling below a critical threshold. This finding, although controversial, reflects the reality ofthis fishery that, for decades, has operated under a dynamic in which whitewashing and super fishers have become well established within the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Contrary to other ocean basins, Indian Ocean catches have increased consistently since 1950, although reported data are known to be incomplete. Fish is a crucial food source in the Indian Ocean; however, ineffective management often empowers over-exploitation. Aims: We synthesised and reviewed Indian Ocean reconstructed catch and effort data by fishing sector and fishing country at the ocean-basin scale. Methods: We aggregated reported and reconstructed unreported catch and effort data for the Indian Ocean and derived catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) time-series by sector. Key results: Indian Ocean rim country catches dominated in the Indian Ocean. Small-scale catches in the Indian Ocean have grown continuously by over 300% from 1.9 × 106 tonnes (Mg) year−1 in 1950 to 6.5 × 106 tonnes year−1 by 2018. By contrast, total industrial catches from the Indian Ocean have reached a plateau at ~8.5 × 106 tonnes year−1 since the late 1990s, after having steadily risen from very low levels in the early 1960s. Unreported catches declined from 45 to 25% of total catches. Total fishing effort, driven by the industrial sector, has increased 30-fold since 1950 from 0.4 × 109 to 11 × 109 kW-days by 2010, whereas CPUE has declined 78%, with steeper declines in the small-scale (>80% since 1950) than in the industrial sector (65% from its 1981 peak). Conclusions: The different sectoral patterns in the Indian Ocean compared with other ocean basins are likely to be due to the region's high dependence on small-scale fisheries and the later onset but swift growth of industrial fishing. The declining CPUE suggests strong decreases in stock biomass caused by strongly increasing fishing effort, especially in the industrial sector. Implications: Indian Ocean countries should prioritise lower-impact well-managed domestic small-scale fisheries to maximise long-term, sustainable nutrient supply for local livelihoods. Fisheries catches in the Indian Ocean have increased consistently since 1950, in contrast to declines observed in other oceans. Small-scale fisheries, accounting for 40% of catches, have grown consistently since 1950, whereas industrial fisheries have flatlined since the late 1990s, despite strongly growing fishing intensity. Indian Ocean countries dominate catches, whereas distant water fleets from other areas of the world account for a much small share. The combination of slowly growing catches despite strongly increasing fishing intensity suggests declining fish abundances, reinforcing sustainability concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of the Emmelichthyidae family, Emmelichthys ruber and Erythrocles monodi, have been recorded in the western Atlantic. The species E. monodi is reported for the first time in Mexican waters, based on a specimen of 403 mm standard length, captured south of Veracruz, which corresponds to the first record of the family in Mexico and its southwestern distribution range of the Gulf of Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishery management in Brazil has many challenges, including the engagement of fishers, building institutional (NGO, university, etc.) relationships to carry out research and provide key data for managers, and strengthening the capacity to articulate effective management strategies (policy institution). Here we report on recent work to address some of these challenges for the Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) fishery in the Parnaiba Delta Protected Area. These include meetings to create inter-sector communication, citizen science and ethnobiology to support data collection and biological sampling, satellite tagging to discern tarpon movements, and the first data-limited stock assessment. The research occurred between September 2018 and April 2020 in the Parnaíba Delta and adjacent marine area, specifically in the Canárias Islands (MA), Pedra do Sal (PI), and Bitupitá (CE). Gonadosomatic indices (GSI > 5%) of female tarpon suggested that tarpon migrate to the Parnaíba Delta to spawn in the dry season (July–December). These GSI findings corresponded with the ethnobiology results in which the fishers confirmed more intense fishing effort in the dry periods due in part to the added value of the gonads. Satellite-tagged tarpon remained close to the Buraco and Boca da Barra fishery areas, thus, close to the Parnaíba Delta region. The information collected here will enhance the collaborative formulation of an unprecedented management plan for the tarpon fishery in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article assesses the potentials of artisanal fisheries in spearheading the on-going Zanzibar blue economy transformation. It focuses on five artisanal fisheries potentials, adopted from the five livelihood assets of the Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA); financial, physical, natural, human and social. Data were drawn from 333 artisanal fishers in five Zanzibar villages using a cross-sectional research design. A questionnaire survey was employed to collect data and analysed using descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data were obtained through FGDs and direct observations and analysed thematically. The study results revealed that (96%) of fishers lacked access to loans to support their artisanal fisheries. Again, (54.65%) of fishers used canoe, which is one of the traditional and inefficient fishing vessels. Furthermore, (65.17%) of the fishers did not own the fishing vessels, however, majority of them (80.48%) owned fishing gears. The study also shows that there was low application of fishing technologies in artisanal fisheries. It further revealed that (79.88%) of the respondents had informal knowledge and skills which they inherited from their forefathers and (90.69%) of fishers were not attendants of any capacity building programmes organised either by governmental or non-governmental organisations, while, (58.86%) of the fishers sell their fish catches at their village market that lack modern fish preservation infrastructures. It also revealed that (77.78%) were non-members of fishers’ cooperatives. The study, therefore, recommends that the potentials of artisanal fisheries have to be improved and supported by governmental, non-governmental organisations, and other fisheries stakeholders to ensure sustainable spearheading of the exiting blue economy transformation in Zanzibar Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents reflections from the artisanal fishing management process in the Tarapoto wetlands, located in Puerto Nariño, Amazonas. It is highlights the importance of the role of artisanal fisheries in the context of food sovereignty and food security for the indigenous peoples, who inhabit the Tikuna, Cocama, Yagua Indigenous Reserve in the municipality of Puerto Nariño. It is recognized that the fishing management process that the communities have been leading within their territory for thirty years now, more than being a process for environmental management of fishing resources, constitutes a collective and social resistance process aimed to improve the governance of their territory, as well as to keep alive the knowledge and traditions associated to artisanal fishing as an element of identity for riverside populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though the narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) is considered to be migratory, the species is nevertheless thought to be locally overexploited in the northwest Indian Ocean. At the regional level, this local depletion is a major concern for food security. As the population structure and connectivity between sub-populations are poorly understood for this species, we examined the spatio-temporal dynamics of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel via elemental concentrations (P, Mg, Sr and Ba) along otolith transects using LA-ICPMS for samples from 6 sites: Egypt, Djibouti North and South, Somalia, Mozambique and South Africa. For homogeneous size class samples (70–90 cm), otolith chemical signatures immediately preceding capture were used to accurately group individuals sharing a spatial proximity and/or season of capture. Notable differences in otolith edge signatures were found among individuals from north and south of the equator and contrasting cluster compositions from nearby sites in the Gulf of Aden of individuals captured in summer versus winter. Otolith core chemistry identified two spawning chemical compositions. The first common composition was characterized by relatively high concentrations of Sr and lower concentrations of P, Ba and Mg. The second less common spawning chemical composition was particularly rich in P, Ba and Mg and corresponded primarily to individuals caught off Mozambique, Somalia and Djibouti. These results are broadly consistent on one hand with patterns of water mass circulation in the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean and on the other hand with the observed spawning seasons. Though further research using, for example, archival tagging is needed to clarify the mechanisms behind these patterns, these results reveal the potential of otolith chemistry to provide insights into the spatio-temporal dynamics of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study assesses the Fishery Performance Indicators (FPI) of the red grouper fishery, currently overexploited, aiming to identify factors for sustainable management and economic growth. Evaluation spans commercial and recreational fishing activities and encompasses output indicators focusing on ecology, economy, and community, through 68 metrics, including measures related to stock abundance, ecosystem impacts (e.g., habitat degradation, bycatch rates), and social aspects (e.g., community participation in management). Input indicators assess enabling conditions such as diseases, water quality, air pollution, biodiversity, etc. Scoring involved reviewing fishery data and information from various sources including scientific literature, technical reports from workshops and meetings, journalistic notes, databases, and unpublished data; with each metric scored according to its specific system. The red grouper fishery exhibits strengths in harvest and community involvement but grapples with stock and ecological concerns. Medium-size fleet perform adequately, yet challenges arise from aging vessels and market fluctuations. Artisanal fleet encounter issues like illegal fishing and economic struggles, while recreational fishing faces stock and ecological worries. Persistent environmental and governance challenges underscore deficiencies in management practices and fishing markets. Enhancing the red grouper fishery requires fair pricing, effective stock management, and sustainability efforts in co-management, fisheries management, and post-harvest processes. Improving gear selectivity is crucial for effective stock management, involving minimizing catches of juvenile red grouper and incidental species. Insufficient bargaining power results in an unfair market and disadvantages for fishermen, leading to losses. To address these issues, it is essential to diversify market channels, stabilize prices, and advocate for fair pricing mechanisms. Empowering fishermen through collective bargaining and regulating credit agreements can ensure fairness. Additionally, policy interventions are necessary to support fishermen and foster a more equitable industry. • The red grouper fishery excels in harvest and community involvement but faces stock issues. • Medium-size fleet performs well, hindered by aging vessels and market fluctuations. • Artisanal fleet faces illegal fishing and economic issues and recreational fishing encounters stock and ecological concerns. • Environmental and governance challenges highlight management and market deficiencies. • Enhancing the fishery needs fair pricing, effective stock management, and sustainability efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]