Fishing Communities Research Articles

Intertidal Bivalve Diversity and Fishery of the Gosthani Estuary, Bhimunipatnam, Visakhapatnam, East Coast of India

The results of the present investigation revealed that the occurrence of 13 species belonging to class bivalvia were dominant taxa in the Gosthani estuary. Out of 13 species 6 orders, 8 families, and 11 genera were observed from April 2023 to March 2024. The samples were obtained by handpicking, digging, and trawling with bare feet by fisher community. A field survey was conducted to collect data on mollusc species, stocks, distribution, and marketing. The bivalves were collected from the bycatch for identification, mostly based on shell morphology, hinge, interlocking dentition, etc., with reference to the standard literature In this present study data was collected and analysed from fishermen community and traders. The Crassostrea madrasensis was more dominant availability species, its contributes to highest collection 5.867 T/ year and 2.78T in Apr-23, followed by Meretrix casta 2.78 T Meretrix meretrix 1.18 T, Anadara rhombea 0.87, Tegillarca granosa 0.759 and followed by other species. According to IUCN status 13 species contributed to 53.84% are not evaluated (NE), followed by data deficient (DD) with 30.76%, and least concerned 15.38%. The monthly available bivalves at Gosthani estuary the data was comparison for abundance. The difference between the sample averages of all groups is not big enough to be statistically significant. The results of ANOVA for p-value of 0.97 indicate significant support for H0. The p-value equals to 0.231 indicates a greater support for H0.

Songs of the Sea: the Socio-Cultural Fabric of Fisherfolk Work Songs in Winneba

This article presents the findings of a study investigating the socio-cultural dimensions of work songs among the fisherfolk of the Winneba Fishing Community in Ghana's central region. It explores the significance of work songs in the daily lives of fisherfolk and their broader socio-cultural impact within the community. Employing a qualitative approach and utilizing a case study design, the authors gathered data through interviews, observations, and focus group discussions involving fifteen purposively sampled fisherfolk. The study was underpinned by the theories of Sense of Community as well as Understanding Music Making of a community. It was found that work songs are integral to various fishing activities in the Winneba fishing community, serving to foster community cohesion, enhance productivity, and preserve cultural heritage. The findings offer practical recommendations for the preservation and promotion of work songs within the Winneba fishing community.

A rapid approach to assessing the vulnerability of Mozambican fisheries’ species to climate change

Mozambique is amongst the most vulnerable of Western Indian Ocean (WIO] countries to the impacts of climate change on its marine fisheries. We used rapid assessment methods to evaluate sensitivity, exposure and vulnerability of fisheries species to climate change, appropriate for data-deficient, developing countries in the region. Species were selected based on their importance in industrial and artisanal fisheries’ landings, further prioritized by local experts. Species’ attributes likely to be sensitive to climate change were identified and scored, utilizing life history or biological characteristics. Sea Surface Temperature (SST] was the most prominent climate exposure factor and for which we could confidently predict likely future change. Most species had low or medium overall sensitivity to climate change, with only eight considered highly sensitive. Climate exposure (SST] scores were high off northern Mozambique, while the central and southern regions were generally of medium exposure. Ten species received a High vulnerability score, 14 were Medium, and 16 had a Low vulnerability score. The highly vulnerable species were all fishes, apart from one crustacean; 4 of the 9 were strongly estuarine-associated; the most vulnerable species was the parrotfish Scarus ghobban. This is the first attempt to use a rapid, semi-quantitative, specialist- and trait-based vulnerability assessment of the anticipated effect of climate change on marine fisheries species in the WIO. Challenges experienced were data paucity, limited resources, the large study area, and the complex oceanography of the region. However, a simple methodology was developed, derived from efforts elsewhere, and which can be used to undertake similar assessments for other WIO countries. Raised awareness of climate change among small-scale fishing communities is a necessity, combined with adaptation by promoting fisheries co-management. Also required is support from government to ensure that people can be flexible to change.

Formulation of Strategy for Sustainable Empowerment of The Fishing Community at Makasar Island Baubau City Indonesia

This research aims to formulate a strategy for sustainably empowering fishing communities. This research uses a qualitative approach, namely research that emphasizes more aspects of an in-depth understanding of a research object. This research was conducted on Makassar Island, Baubau City Indonesia, where most of the population has a livelihood as fishermen. This research uses informants from fishermen, community leaders, and local government officials. To obtain these informants, purposive techniques are used, where informants are selected based on their ability to provide in-depth information. This study used several data collection techniques, namely observation, interviews, documentation, and focused group discussion. Data analysis in this study uses SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. The results of the study obtained several formulations of strategies for empowering fishing communities as follows: first, community-based empowerment of fishing communities; second, strengthening fishermen institutions; third, capital access development; fourth, mastery of fishing technology; and fifth, improve the technical capabilities of professional fisheries extension workers. This study recommends that the empowerment of fishing communities in Makassar Island should be directed at community-based empowerment. This approach sees that various social problems that exist in the fishing community are not only caused by problems that arise in the fishing community internally but also caused by various structural problems. This approach is also very aware of the importance of capacity building in fishing communities to increase the strength and independence of fishing communities.

Understanding Local Perceptions of Impacts of Climate Change Among Small-Scale Sama-Bajau Fishers and Their Patrons in Wakatobi National Park, Indonesia

Understanding similarities and differences in perceptions of climate change impacts aids in the development of co-adaptation strategies. While there has been extensive research on perceptions of climate change impacts among small-scale fishing communities, studies focusing on the perspectives of maritime tribes, fishers, and their respective patrons in small islands are notably scarce. The current study compares the perceptions of climate change impacts by Sama-Bajau fishers and their patrons in Wangi-Wangi Island of Wakatobi National Park. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, casual conversations, field observation, and secondary data analysis between August 2021 and February 2022. Findings revealed that although fishers and their patrons similarly perceived some impacts, they perceived others differently because of distinct sources of information and experience. Fishers, middlemen and employees of fishing companies perceived the impacts through personal observation and information from other fishers while government and non- governmental officers relied on scientific reports and personal experience in addition to the information given by the fishers. Future research should explore context-specific coping, adaptation and transformation measures based on local perceptions and diverse patron-client relationships to inform policy development.

Genetic insights into Cyphocharax magdalenae (Characiformes: Curimatidae): Microsatellite loci development and population analysis in the Cauca River, Colombia.

Cyphocharax magdalenae, a Colombian freshwater fish species, plays a vital role in nutrients distribution and serves as a significant food source for other fish species and local fishing communities. Considered a short-distance migratory species, C. magdalenae populations face substantial extinction risk due to human activities impacting their habitats. To address the lack of knowledge on genetic diversity and population structure, this study used next-generation sequencing technology to develop species-specific microsatellite loci and conducted a population genetics analysis of C. magdalenae in the middle and lower sections of the Cauca River, Colombia. Out of 30 pairs of microsatellite primers evaluated in 324 individuals, 14 loci were found to be polymorphic, at linkage equilibrium and, in at least one population, their genotypic frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Results showed high genetic diversity levels compared to other neotropical Characiformes, with inbreeding coefficients similar to those reported for phylogenetically related species. Moreover, C. magdalenae exhibits seasonal population structure (rainy-dry) consisting of two genetic stocks showing bottleneck signals and high effective population sizes. This information is essential for understanding the current species genetics and developing future management programs for this fishery resource.

Upaya Pemerintah Desa Dalam Meningkatkan Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Masyarakat Nelayan Desa Nen Bura Kecamatan Doreng Kabupaten Sikka

."Village Government Efforts to Increase the Economic Empowerment of the Fishing Community of Nen Bura Village, Sikka Regency". Thesis. Maumere: Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Education IKIP Muhammadiyah Maumere, 2023. The aim of this research is to determine the village government's efforts to improve the economy of the fishing community in Nenbura village, Doreng sub-district, Sikka district AND the village government's obstacles in improving the economy of the fishing community in Nen Bura village, Doreng sub-district, Sikka district. In this research the method used is descriptive qualitative, with techniques collecting observation data, interviews and documentation. The data analysis techniques used are data reduction, data display and conclusion drawing. with the results of research on government efforts to empower fishing communities in Nen Bura Village. The government in Nen Bura village has effectively carried out its duties as government, especially in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, where the government has provided sufficient assistance to the fishing community in Nen Bura Village, such as machines, boats and fishing nets, but not all fishing communities receive this assistance. Obstacles to Government Efforts in Empowering Fisher Community Budget limitations are one of the important factors in implementing the empowerment program in Nen Bura Village. Because the budget is a driving factor for the smooth running of all elements of government institutions. Budget limitations are a fundamental problem or the empowerment program cannot run well and does not meet the needs of fishermen. So the government is still trying as hard as possible to prepare the needs so that the empowerment implementation program can run well.

Women Empowerment Status in the Coastal Fishing Communities of Bangladesh

Socially ascribed gender norms are a significant barrier for women of the fishing communities in coastal Bangladesh. These norms limit women’s income autonomy, access to productive resources, decision making capacity and mobility, which negatively affects their economic empowerment and overall well-being. The article delves into the topic of women’s empowerment in these communities. The study employed a mixed method approach to collect data from ECOFISH II project intervention villages. Pro-WEFI, which is a modified and refined version of the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) was utilized for fishing community to determine women’s empowerment and disempowerment status across three domains of empowerment (3DE): intrinsic, instrumental, and collective agency. The findings revealed that men experienced fewer inadequacies than women, with a weighted average 3DE score of 0.75 for men and 0.57 for women, and only 14% of women and 37% of men were found to be empowered. The Gender Parity Index (GPI) score was 0.79 and households with gender parity made up 31% of the total. This study developed a comprehensive set of Pro-WEFI indicators applicable for assessing and comparing women’s empowerment across cultures in fisheries-related projects. Utilizing the disaggregated scores of each Pro-WEFI indicator, it is possible to identify areas of disempowerment for both genders and prioritize project interventions accordingly. Furthermore, employing the Pro-WEFI tool in a longitudinal panel design can capture the changes in women’s empowerment over time in any fisheries project.

RESILIENSI SOSIAL KOMUNITAS NELAYAN PESISIR DALAM MENGHADAPI FENOMENA PERUBAHAN IKLIM

This study was conducted with the aim of determining the resilience of fishing communities in Barru District, Barru Regency in facing the phenomenon of climate change. This research is a qualitative descriptive research. Data collection techniques use observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis techniques use descriptive-qualitative analysis through the stages of data reduction, data presentation and conclusions. The results of this study show that traditional fishing communities and modern fishermen in the coastal areas of Barru District have felt the impact of climate change that affects the lives of fishing communities in environmental, socio-economic and physical aspects. For this reason, the ability of fishing communities to reduce vulnerability is demonstrated through adaptability at the level of stability, recovery and transformation. Resilience at the level of stability is carried out by surviving by utilizing family savings. At the level of recovery, the adaptation capacity of traditional fishing communities and modern fishing communities can be said to be high through survival by utilizing Human Resources (HR) assets by looking for other jobs outside of fishing activities but having low adaptation when dependent on bad weather. Traditional coastal fishing communities have limited supporting facilities in the process of marine activities so that they cannot be said to be at the level of transformation. Modern fishing communities have been at a level of transformation by increasing vessel tonnage, procuring new vessels and replacing fishing gear.

Economic well-being induced Women's empowerment: Evidence from coastal fishing communities of Bangladesh

Women's empowerment is an important policy agenda that is critical for developing countries like Bangladesh to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). The prime objective of this paper was to examine whether community savings groups can truly improve the economic conditions of women which turns into women's empowerment in fishing communities or not. The propensity score matching (PSM) and logistic regression technique were incorporated, and required data were collected from Community Savings Groups (CSG) interventions and non-CSG villages of coastal Bangladesh. Quantitative data were collected from 615 women comprising 306 CSG participants (treatment group) and 309 non-participants (control group). The results affirm CSG group members were economically more solvent and less dependent on borrowed money than non-CSG group members. Improved economic indicators (savings, income and expenditure) of CSG households make the foundation of attaining women's empowerment for the intervened group. The findings revealed that CSG women performed better in various dimensions of leadership capacity than non-CSG women. Econometric analysis confirmed positive impacts of CSG interventions on savings, gross household income, earning from catching fish, alternative income-generating activities (AIGAs), expenditure, and women's empowerment. The initiatives of CSG not only generate economic well-being but also contribute to women's empowerment. Financial access, improved literacy and an enabling environment for the productive engagement of women reduce gender inequality in fishing communities. To sustain the benefits of CSG, establishing institutional linkages (advisory and financial), legality/registration of CSGs from the government authority, and facilitation of alternative IGAs are crucial.

Livelihood Challenges of the River Fishermen in Bangladesh: A Systematic Review and Recommendations for the Policy and Practice

Fishing in rivers is one of the major occupations of fisher communities of Bangladesh who live near the river banks across the country. The objectives of this qualitative review are to identify the key livelihood challenges experienced by the river fishermen (fishers) and to recommend some policies in light of the previous studies available for review. The researchers used a systematic review guided by the PRISMA method/guidelines. Boolean search strings were used to identify the literature from databases like PubMed, MDPI, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The findings show that the fishers' communities are excluded from mainstream society and deprived of enjoyment of basic human rights and needs. Also, they are suffering from extreme levels of economic hardships and vulnerabilities, climate change-related natural catastrophes, diseases, and poor communication systems. The fisher communities were also found to experience social stigma, social exclusion, and isolation. Moreover, family pressure linked to demographic change, financial constraints, poor market facilities, reduction of fishing areas for territorial conflicts, political unrest, and pressure from the musclemen and socially miscreants or deviant persons is observed in the study. The fishers were also found to suffer from a shortage of fishing gear, boats, nets, and resources. Based on the systematic review of literature related to the study, several policy recommendations have been made that contribute to promoting the quality of lives of fishermen (fishers) through socio-economic, cultural, physical-infrastructural, and environmental development.

INNOVATION IN FIBERGLASS SHIP ASSEMBLY: SOCIAL-ECONOMIC AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDY OF COASTAL COMMUNITIES

The problem of low performance of fishing communities in producing capture fisheries is generally related to the low quality of the capital ships used. This research aims to reveal the factors that caused the emergence of innovation in the business of assembling fiberglass fishing ships, the level of business development, and its impact on improving the socio-economic performance of fishing communities in rural areas. The research sample included small fishing communities and a group of fishermen who had built a business assembling fiberglass fishing ships in Bengkulu Selatan Regency. Because the data collected is mostly in the form of qualitative data, the analysis method used is a descriptive-qualitative method supported by statistical analysis methods. The results indicate that the emergence of innovation in assembling fiberglass fishing ships is driven by evidence highlighting the superior quality of fiberglass over wood in ship construction. The growth of the fiberglass ship assembly business is evident through its expanding market reach and increased sales turnover. Qualitatively, the study demonstrates that the innovation in assembling fiberglass ships has a positive impact on the socio-economic performance of fishermen, manifested through improved workability, heightened work motivation, and increased capture fisheries production. Three key recommendations emerge from the findings: (1) Stakeholders should consistently support the sustainability of fiberglass ship assembly businesses; (2) Relevant agencies are encouraged to actively contribute to the substantial development of the fiberglass ship assembly sector; and (3) Fishing communities greatly benefit from socialization, empowerment, literacy, and education programs.

Research for development: evidence-based hilsa management improvements in Myanmar

The hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) fishery in Myanmar is of importance as it provides an income for around 1.6 million artisanal low-income fisher households and generated USD 237.32M in export earnings from 156,000 metric tons in 2021. Fisheries Performance Indicator assessments have shown that the fishery, both artisanal and industrial, is close to economic collapse. Research was undertaken to find ways to improve the management of the fishery including studies to establish the migration routes and spawning periodicity of hilsa in addition to socioeconomic assessments and business case valuations to recommend finance mechanisms for improved management and maintenance of the fishery. Results indicate that the closed season for hilsa fishing misses the main spawning period in September. In addition, the chemical analysis of hilsa otoliths shows the importance of upstream spawning grounds – some 800km from the sea. Recommendations were made, and enacted March 2022, regarding the need for a new September closed season in addition to no-take hilsa sanctuaries along the main migration routes. A value was placed on the hilsa fishery at close to USD800M per annum. A USD100M annual investment cost is suggested to ensure that the new and old closed seasons are respected by licensed and unlicensed fishers. This investment could be generated by recommended fiscal reforms to provide incentives for fishers to respect the new fishing restrictions. Transboundary fisheries management opportunities are being advanced by informal tripartite scientific collaboration between Bangladesh, India and Myanmar. Social aspects, involving fisheries co-management with artisanal fisher communities and local government authorities, need to be continued to demonstrate the benefits of improved fisheries management in terms of the expected sustainable yields and a move away from potential economic fishery collapse.

Development model for empowerment of Demak Coastal fishermen community through product re-branding

Coastal Demak has a wealth of potential coastal resources because the condition of the Demak coastal area through mapping the potential of capture fisheries reaches 840 tons, and production fisheries reach 1,166 tons. In other aspects, there are conditions of changes in the coastline of accretion and abrasion that affect population activities followed by rob. The majority of the population activities in the Demak coastal area are in the fisheries sector, which, based on the analysis of the typology of the community, the population has a livelihood of fishermen and shrimp paste makers. The main ingredient of shrimp paste is easy to obtain, but shrimp paste makers need help in terms of product innovation and marketing. So, the empowerment of Demak coastal fishing communities needs to be done, one of which is through product branding strategies. The objectives of this research include 1) mapping the potential of coastal Demak; 2) identifying constraints in its development, and 3) finding a suitable empowerment model to improve the economic welfare of the community. Data collection methods include field surveys, structured interviews, and literature studies. Then, the data was analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach with SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) and mapping. The results showed that: 1) This area is experiencing abrasion; in the morning, the tide reaches a depth of 0.46 - 0.53 meters on the road. The mapping of coastal resources has two forms, namely in the form of aquaculture ponds and marine catches in the high seas, which 5,694 fishermen cultivate; 2) Mobilizing shrimp paste makers to expand market reach by using packaging that is easy to store and prioritizes the principles of hygiene; 3) The development of the Community Empowerment Model based on the results of the SWOT analysis in this study is in Quadrant 1, namely expansion using strengths by utilizing high market demand.

Adapting to sea level rise: migration decisions and disaster mitigation strategies in small-scale fishing communities

This study explores the adaptation process of small-scale fishing families in Demak, Java, in response to sea level rise and tidal floods. Qualitative research methods are used to investigate the factors influencing families’ decisions to relocate. Findings indicate that families employ home elevation as a short-term adaptation measure, but severe floods eventually lead to the challenging decision of permanent migration. The study highlights the interplay of physical, social, and economic factors in shaping migration decisions. While short-term strategies provide partial relief, migration emerges as a vital long-term resilience strategy. Mitigation efforts involve coastal protection, wetland restoration, land use planning, and climate change adaptation measures. The study emphasises the need for tailored, context-specific strategies and integration of sea level rise considerations into broader climate change mitigation efforts. Overall, understanding migration decisions and implementing targeted disaster mitigation strategies are crucial for enhancing the resilience of coastal communities facing sea level rise.

Socio-Economic Conditions of the Fisher Community in Sri Tanjung Village, Siantan District, Anambas Islands Regency

This research was conducted in Sri Tanjung Village, Siantan District, Anambas Islands Regency. This research aims to determine the socio-economic conditions of fishing communities as seen from social conditions consisting of fishermen's education level and living conditions as well as economic conditions consisting of income and ownership of fishing gear. This research uses quantitative methods with descriptive analysis with a sample of 58 respondents. This research uses a simple random sampling technique and data collection is carried out through observation, structured interviews using questionnaires, and documentation. The research results obtained are that on the social aspect, the educational level of Sri Tanjung fishermen is still relatively low because they have only completed junior high school level, then in terms of living conditions, the majority of Sri Tanjung fishermen have their own semi-permanent houses. Meanwhile, in the economic aspect, the income earned by Sri Tanjung fishermen is classified as low, namely below the average income or UMK of Anambas, then for fishing equipment ownership status, Sri Tanjung fishermen use a fleet of boats (pompong) measuring 1 - 5 GT with fishing gear facilities. which is complete with 3 types of fishing equipment (pull fishing rod, trolling rod, and longline) and is equipped with modern technology (GPS, Fish Finder, radio, and solar panels).

Increased signal of fishing pressure on community life‐history traits at larger spatial scales

AbstractAimHuman pressure in the oceans is pervasive and affects marine life. Understanding species' differing responses to human pressure, and how human pressure compares to other environmental variables in shaping marine communities is needed to facilitate the sustainable management of the seas. Despite theory and empirical evidence that fishing pressure affects marine life‐history strategies, several recent large‐scale studies have not shown strong relationships between fishing pressure and community composition. We aim to reconcile theory with data and explain these variable findings, testing the hypothesis that the signal of the effect of fishing pressure on marine communities depends on the scale at which the community is defined.LocationNorth East Atlantic.Time Period2009 to 2021.Major Taxa StudiedMarine vertebrates (Teleostei, Elasmobranchii, Petromyzonti, Holocephali).MethodsWe collate extensive scientific marine biodiversity surveys, published life‐history traits and high‐resolution annual fishing pressure data. Using frequentist Generalized Linear Mixed Models, we assess whether community mean weighted life‐history traits correlate with fishing pressure, sea surface temperature and depth and whether the strength of these relationships are scale dependant.ResultsWe show fish community life‐history strategy correlates with fishing pressure, and the relative importance of fishing pressure compared to environmental variables increases with the scale at which a community is defined.Main ConclusionsWe suggest this scale dependence relates to the spatial extent over which covariates vary, and how fish movement moderates communities' experience of this variability. Our findings highlight the importance of explicit consideration of scale in ecological research, supporting the idea that studying systems at ecologically relevant scales is necessary to detect and appropriately interpret the effects of global change.

Baiting the hook: Fish scarcity, gendered division of labour, and the fish-for-sex trade

Transactional sex in sub–Saharan Africa's fishing communities, driven by the highly gendered organisation of production, is widely recognised as a key driver of HIV transmission in lakeshore areas. This longitudinal study investigates the economic drivers of the trade and its impact on sexual health outcomes. Specifically, the impact of regional and district fish market shocks and comparable maize shocks on facility-level sexual health outcomes are examined in Tanzania's shoreline communities. Following unfavourable shocks to the fish market, such as high prices or low amounts of fish captured, this paper finds that new HIV cases, newly pregnant women attending antenatal clinic, and the number of people treated for syphilis increases with proximity to the shoreline, supporting the hypothesis that the fish-for-sex trade intensifies when fish supply is relatively scarce. Further, the observed increase in new HIV cases is driven by new cases in women. Contrasting effects are observed following maize price shocks, where facilities see an increase in both male and female new HIV cases following a favourable price shock. These findings highlight the role that gender-based organisation of production plays in shaping sexual health inequalities following shocks to a good.

Differences in perceptions of COVID-19 risks in a fishing community in Alaska, 2020–2021

Bristol Bay in Alaska is home to the world’s largest commercial salmon fishery. During an average fishing season, the population of the Bristol Bay region more than doubles as thousands of workers from out of state converge on the fishery. In the months leading up to the 2020 commercial fishery opening, as the COVID-19 pandemic exploded worldwide, great uncertainty existed about the health risks of opening the fishery. Bristol Bay residents had not yet experienced any cases of COVID-19, yet the livelihoods of most were closely tied to the commercial fishery opening. To better understand how COVID-19 risk perceptions affected decisions to participate in the fishery, we administered an online survey to community members and fishery participants. We collected standard socioeconomic data and posed questions to gauge risk perceptions related to COVID-19. We find that COVID-19 risk perceptions vary across race/ethnic groups by residency and income. People with below median income who are members of minority groups—notably, non-resident Hispanic workers and resident Alaska Native respondents—reported the highest risk perceptions related to COVID-19. This study highlights the important linkages among risk perceptions, socioeconomic characteristics, and employment decisions during an infectious disease outbreak.

Social-ecological vulnerability to environmental extremes and adaptation pathways in small-scale fisheries of the southern California Current

Coastal ecosystems and human communities are threatened worldwide by climate change, and shocks from social, market and political change. There is an urgent global need to promote resilient food production and livelihoods in the face of these shocks. Small-scale fisheries (SSF) in rural settings can be particularly vulnerable as they frequently lack the resources, rights and infrastructure to respond to shocks originating outside the focal systems. We examined ecological and social outcomes of environmental extremes in a SSF socio-ecological system (SES) by using long-term oceanographic (between 2010-2019) and ecological (2006-2018) data tracking change in a kelp forest ecosystem of Baja California, Mexico, and concurrent documentation of proactive and reactive actions of a fishing community organized in a cooperative. Results indicate a complex landscape of ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ among species and fisheries exposed to unprecedented environmental extremes, including marine heat waves and prolonged hypoxia, and a suite of adaptive actions by the local fishing cooperative, and others in the region, that have helped confront these rapid and drastic changes. Cooperatives have established voluntary marine reserves to promote recovery of affected populations and have invested in diversification of activities enabled by access rights, collective decision-making, and participatory science programs. Results indicate that local actions can support social and ecological resilience in the face of shocks, and that enabling locally-driven adaptation pathways is critical to resilience. This case study highlights the crucial importance of strengthening and supporting rights, governance, capacity, flexibility, learning, and agency for coastal communities to respond to change and sustain their livelihoods and ecosystems in the long run.