Drivers and potential solutions for transnational Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing (<scp>IUU</scp>) in the Gulf of Honduras

Abstract The threat of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing to global fisheries, particularly in lower‐income tropical regions, underscores the urgent need for science‐based solutions. This study explores the drivers and potential solutions to IUU fishing by Honduran fishers in the Cayman Crown reef, located within the territorial waters of Guatemala and Belize. We integrate science‐based and practical, local knowledge through household surveys and stakeholders' workshops, engaging fishers, government agencies and non‐governmental organizations NGOs to assess motivations for IUU fishing and possible interventions. Survey results reveal distinct spatial patterns in IUU fishing, with fishers from Omoa and Puerto Cortés being more likely to engage in IUU activities compared to those from Tela. Moreover, 16% of surveyed households reported involvement in Cayman Crown harvesting at some point, confirming previous findings on cross‐border IUU fishing in the region. The primary drivers of IUU fishing include the overexploitation of local fish stocks, declining landings (−44%), and economic hardship exacerbated by the COVID‐19 pandemic and extreme weather events. In response, stakeholders identified five key themes for potential solutions: governance, capacity building, livelihood diversification, environmental awareness, and bilateral cooperation. Governance, capacity building, and diversification emerged as the most promising solutions, with fishers expressing a strong desire for greater participation in management, training opportunities, and alternative income sources. Synthesis and applications: In summary, our study underscores the vital need for a collaborative, cross‐border and inclusive strategy that accounts for the heterogeneous drivers and solutions of IUU fishing across municipalities and stakeholder groups. Strengthening co‐management mechanisms, enhancing capacity building and implementing context‐appropriate livelihood diversification initiatives could improve fisheries governance and reduce illegal fishing incentives. Additionally, regional cooperation between Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize is essential to harmonize regulations and enforcement. This study provides a replicable framework for assessing IUU fishing in data‐poor contexts and underscores the importance of participatory approaches in fisheries governance to ensure long‐term sustainability and the well‐being of coastal communities. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.