A systematic review of co-managed small-scale fisheries: Social diversity and adaptive management improve outcomes. (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: d'Armengol, Laia; Prieto Castillo, María; Ruiz-Mallén, Isabel; Corbera, Esteve
• Is Part Of: Global environmental change. Volume 52(2018)
• Page Start: 212
• Page End: 225
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: Adaptive co-management -- Collaborative management -- Small-Scale fisheries -- Ecological outcomes -- Social benefits; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Human ecology -- Periodicals; Nature -- Effect of human beings on -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Écologie humaine -- Périodiques; Homme -- Influence sur la nature -- Périodiques; Environmental policy; Human ecology; Nature -- Effect of human beings on; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 333.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2018.07.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-3780

Abstract

Highlights: Co-managed small-scale fisheries deliver positive ecological and social outcomes. Improvements in governance are the most frequently reported. Positive outcomes are more likely to be realised if co-management is socially diverse. Conflicts are less likely to continue or emerge if adaptive management principles are adopted. Conflicts, power and equity-related issues are under-researched. Abstract: Small-scale fisheries are an important source of livelihoods, particularly among poor coastal populations. To improve fisheries' condition and maximize their contribution to human welfare, co-management approaches have proliferated worldwide. In this article, we conduct a systematic review of academic literature to examine the context and attributes of co-management initiatives in small-scale fisheries, and their expected outcomes. The review suggests that a supporting legal and institutional framework facilitates the emergence of co-management, because it contributes to clarify and legitimize property rights over fish resources. It is also found that co-management delivers both ecological and social benefits: it increases the abundance and habitat of species, fish catches, actors' participation, and the fishery's adaptive capacity, as well as it induces processes of social learning. Furthermore, co-management is more effective if artisanal fishers and diverse stakeholders become involved through an adaptive institutional framework. However, the review also suggests that more research is needed to discern when co-management initiatives can transform pre-existing conflicts, challenge power asymmetries and distribute benefits more equitably.