Ecosystem approach to fisheries in South and Southeast Asia: Lessons from marine capture fisheries

Abstract

The ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF) has been widely promoted as a framework for fisheries management, integrating ecological, social and governance dimensions. This publication compiles ten case studies of diverse fisheries from South and Southeast Asia to showcase ongoing efforts to manage fisheries under EAF principles and synthesize lessons learned from its implementation in the region. The findings highlight several key factors driving the transition to EAF, including ecological crises such as stock depletion and habitat loss, socioeconomic challenges like declining fisher incomes, and governance reforms promoting co-management and stakeholder participation. Enabling conditions – such as strong community leadership, regional policy support, and financial incentives – have facilitated EAF adoption. However, persistent barriers – such as weak enforcement, limited scientific data, and socioeconomic pressures – continue to hinder long-term sustainability. EAF implementation faces compounding challenges, particularly in socioeconomically depressed, resource-dependent communities, where environmental and economic vulnerabilities create self-reinforcing cycles. While EAF adoption has grown globally, its partial success often stems from localized, species-specific efforts that fail to address broader ecological complexities and cross-scale environmental stressors. Sustainable financing remains a critical barrier to full implementation. For long-term success, EAF must be embedded within a comprehensive, multi-scale governance framework that aligns ecological sustainability with socioeconomic resilience.