Transition from vulnerability to viability in small-scale fisheries: A diagnostic framework

While the diverse, complex and dynamic nature of small-scale fisheries enables them to adapt to change, their economic and political marginalization makes them vulnerable. The sources and consequences of vulnerabilities are varied, and pathways to viability are difficult to identify. Small-scale fisheries communities and governing actors may respond differently to the challenge, but not all responses are effective. Inappropriate responses further intensify the ongoing vulnerabilities, indicating the wickedness in small-scale fisheries governance. Through a systematic global scoping review, this study introduces and applies a novel typology to categorize the realities of small-scale fisheries by examining their main sources of vulnerability and the types of responses at different levels. Our findings reveal that small-scale fisheries vulnerabilities are multifaceted, and the responses occur in identifiable patterns that are often mismatched to the specific context. While some differences in responses between the Global South and North can be observed, for the most part, they focus on technical fixes, operating at the day-to-day level, leaving a gap in in-depth understanding of the root causes and the role of the governing system in facilitating vulnerability to viability transitions. Drawing on interactive governance theory, we employ a governability analysis to identify these patterns and propose a conceptual framework to help diagnose the quality and capacity of the governing system required for transitioning from vulnerability to viability, given their structure and function. • Small-scale fisheries are complex and confronted with multidimensional vulnerabilities. • Most governing responses focus on technical fixes, ignoring the root causes. • The role of governance is crucial to facilitate transitions toward viability. • A governability assessment is imperative to facilitate vulnerability to viability transitions.