Co-management of small-scale fisheries in the Eastern Mediterranean: Insights and lessons from Türkiye’s Gökova MPA

Abstract Overfishing poses a critical threat to marine ecosystems and local coastal communities worldwide. Designation of Marine Protected Areas, particularly those incorporating No-Fishing Zones, act as refuges from the effects of climate and fishing, serve as valuable biodiversity conservation tools for more resilient social-ecological systems. Nevertheless, to be successful in long-term conservation these areas have to be monitored, and rules must be enforced. In this study, we examine collective action efforts for sustainable management of fisheries in Gökova Bay Marine Protected Area, Türkiye by utilizing semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Drawing upon Elinor Ostrom’s social-ecological systems framework and design principles, we put emphasis on the challenges and advantages of co-management in a social setting, as well as its potential to enhance marine conservation efforts. Our findings underscore the unsuitability of centralistic, command-and-control type of resource management for Gökova Bay. We highlight the significance of adaptive governance approach among small-scale fishers, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations. However, drawing from the Gökova Case, we assert that effective co-management hinges upon political commitment, alongside the provision of incentives by government authorities to fisheries and development of appropriate government institutions at the local level.