1. Exploring Challenges in Small-Scale Fisheries Governance

This chapter sets the stage for the book about small-scale fisheries governance and governability, which draws lessons and reflections from 34 case studies about small-scale fisheries in 34 countries around the world, including north and south, east and west. The diversity, complexity, dynamics, and scale of small-scale fisheries and their governance are described. Characteristics of small-scale fisheries and their wicked problems call for a shift from management to governance, under whatever governing mode that aligns best with the particularity of the system that is being governed, and in corresponding with the governing system capacity (instrumental) and quality (normative). The need for and contribution of research on governance, particularly from social and transdisciplinary sciences are underscored, given the human presence and interactions that dominate small-scale fisheries. Interactive governance theory and the governability concept and assessment framework underpinning this investigation are perspectives that emphasize the systemic nature of small-scale fisheries, calling thus for a holistic and integrative analysis that transcends sectoral approaches often employed in management discourse and practice.