Global assessment of financial mechanisms supporting blue livelihoods and sustainable development in coastal and marine fishing communities

Coastal and marine fishing communities are critical to global food security and the blue economy, yet they face escalating environmental and economic pressures. This systematic review synthesises two decades (2004–2024) of research on financial mechanisms supporting these communities, addressing a fragmented understanding of how tools like microloans, subsidies, and insurance influence socioeconomic resilience and marine conservation. Through a bibliometric analysis of Web of Science data, the review investigates four interconnected themes: (i) the evolution of global research trends and collaborations in fisheries finance, (ii) the impact of distinct financial mechanisms on the economic development of small-scale fisheries, (iii) the contribution of financial support to community livelihoods, specifically income and employment, and (iv) the alignment of this research with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Findings reveal a 23.084% annual growth in publications, significant international co-authorship, and a thematic progression from governance to climate resilience and ecosystem-based finance. Well-designed financial instruments, including community savings groups and de-risking products, are shown to enhance income stabilisation, facilitate livelihood diversification, and incentivise sustainable practices. However, persistent challenges such as policy misalignment, harmful subsidies, and limited access to formal services often undermine these benefits. The review identifies critical gaps, including a need for long-term empirical studies on financial impacts and more integrated socio-ecological policy frameworks. Overall, it provides evidence-based insights for policymakers and practitioners, underscoring the potential of strategically aligned financial mechanisms to foster resilient coastal economies and sustainable marine resource use.