Science-informed recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of area-based fisheries management for fisheries sustainability and marine conservation: A global mini-review

Area -based fisheries management measures (ABFMs) have evolved beyond fisheries regulation to encompass broader conservation goals. This mini -review provides key recommendations to guide the science -based implementation of effective ABFMs for rebuilding fisheries and conserving marine biodiversity within the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Drawing from a comprehensive review of global literature, we catalogued 232 recommended actions. Most recommendations focused on enhancing informed and more effective area -based management (n = 115) and optimizing ABFMs planning (n = 70). Fewer were related to transparent and inclusive area -based management (n = 25) and adaptability to change (n = 22). For effective area -based fisheries management, the following actions are recommended: (1) advancing informed and effective management through enhanced data collection, responsive measures, regular monitoring, interdisciplinary research and efficient control and surveillance; (2) refining ABFMs planning to account for the complexity of marine ecosystems integrating ABFMs with other measures, considering socio-economic aspects, designing connective, representative and comprehensive ABFMs and considering ABFMs applicability and transferability; (3) nurturing transparent and inclusive management through intergovernmental cooperation, transparent and equitable governance and increased stakeholder engagement; and (4) embracing adaptability through responsiveness to change, dynamic ABFMs, and addressing climate-related shifts. These recommendations offer a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening ABFMs in a changing global ecosystem in support of the KunmingMontreal Global Biodiversity Framework.