Social-ecological and institutional dimensions of small-scale fisheries: A global review of governance, sustainability, adaptation

Small-scale fisheries (SSF) is a strategic sector in providing food and nutrition needs, helping the welfare of the local economy, providing millions of jobs, and preserving marine ecosystems. But behind the strategic function of SSF itself, this sector lacks facilities and policy support from the government, besides the involvement of local communities is still low in the management of SSF. The complex workings of ecological, social, and institutional roles in the sustainable management of SSFs also pose challenges. This article aims to thoroughly and deeply analyze the relationship of these aspects using the method of systematic review. This systematic review process is carried out by identifying, evaluating, and synthesizing relevant research results in a structured manner so as to answer specific research questions regarding SSF in the context of management, socio-ecological sustainability, and institutional roles. The results of this study found that the sustainability of the SSF sector is strongly influenced by the preservation of marine ecosystems as a provider of catches, the involvement of small fishermen, as well as the role of institutions in regulating and overseeing the management of small-scale fisheries. Access and government policies that support small fishermen are also criteria for successful SSF management.