Pathways to Sustainable and Just Lobster Fisheries in Coastal Regions

In recent decades, rising inequity has become a significant social challenge, shaping human-environment interactions in coastal areas and affecting small-scale fisheries where social and cultural values intersect with policy and markets. Despite these challenges, sustainable fisheries that respect ecological limits and promote social justice exist worldwide. The OceanPaths project investigates pathways to ocean sustainability across diverse coastal locations, from the global north to the global south, focusing on lobster fisheries in the Mediterranean, Chile, and the Colombian Caribbean, which amid different socioeconomic contexts have evolved from subsistence to tourism-driven industries. Through stakeholder surveys and interviews, we explore how social, cultural, and political factors shape conservation efforts, emphasizing the influence of equity-driven, bottom-up initiatives over top-down regulations. By integrating traditional and scientific knowledge, the project highlights inclusive management practices that operate within ecologically safe boundaries. OceanPaths ultimately aims to foster sustainable futures, enhance social well-being, and strengthen ecosystem services, advancing equitable and resilient ocean governance.