Journal Article
How to make Western Indian Ocean’s small-scale fisheries more sustainable
Obed Matundura Ogega; Kennedy Osuka-Edeye; Yvonne Waweru; Edson Jose; Innocent Wanyonyi; Francesca Porri; Emidio Andre; James Kairo; Mary-Jane Bopape; Thomas G. Bornman; Aina Le Don Nomenisoa; Faustinato Behivoke; Stella Wandera; Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl
Frontiers in Marine Science · Vol. 13 · 2026
Abstract
Small-scale fisheries in the Western Indian Ocean are vital to food security, livelihoods, and coastal economies, supporting over 65 million people. Yet, SSFs face mounting threats from various factors, including overexploitation, climate change, and weakly integrated governance systems. Despite growing evidence of climate impacts, critical gaps remain in understanding how these changes affect fisheries and in translating this knowledge into effective policy and practice. This policy brief highlights the urgent need to strengthen the science–policy–practice nexus, enhance cross-sector coordination, and embed climate resilience into fisheries governance to secure sustainable and equitable fisheries management outcomes for the region.