Supporting coastal communities to restore sustainable fisheries and strengthen livelihoods
Millions of people worldwide rely on small-scale coastal fisheries for food security, economic prosperity, and climate resilience. Small-scale fishers are among the most important stewards of coastal ecosystems, yet coastal waters are under increasing pressure from overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change.
Through community-led solutions, Rare partners with coastal communities, local leaders, governments, and other partners to restore fisheries and strengthen community-led management so people and nature can thrive. This work protects biodiversity, strengthens food security and livelihoods, advances gender equity, and builds climate-resilient futures. Our integrated land–sea approach reflects the lived reality of millions of households who depend on both ocean and land-based food systems.
Impact at a glance
Rare’s behavioral science and innovation work is helping communities adopt sustainable practices, strengthen conservation leadership, and scale solutions worldwide.
Multi-community fisheries management bodies and plans created with Rare’s support worldwide
Fishing communities supported across eight countries
Coastal ocean enabled for community-led conservation and co-management
Restoring sustainable fisheries and strengthening livelihoods
Rare partners with coastal communities and governments to strengthen fisheries management and leadership. Our work centers on the Community Seas — the nearshore waters where millions depend on healthy fisheries for food, livelihoods, and cultural identity.
Together with local leaders, communities manage fishing areas, establish protected zones, and adopt sustainable practices that allow fish populations and habitats to recover.
Creating the conditions for community-led fisheries management to thrive
Sustaining these efforts requires more than local action. Rare works to create the conditions that allow community-led fisheries to take hold, grow, and endure.
Designing solutions that work for people and nature
We design solutions grounded in how people make decisions and act. We work with communities to align new practices with local priorities, social norms, and daily realities — and use tools and technology to support adoption, learning, and scaling.
Strengthening policies that support community leadership
We work with communities and governments to shape policies that recognize local leadership and support long-term stewardship of natural resources.
Expanding access to finance for communities
We connect communities to financial tools and opportunities that strengthen livelihoods and help them adapt to environmental and economic change.
Mayors and local leaders driving coastal resilience
Coastal 500 is a global network of mayors and local government leaders committed to building thriving, resilient coastal communities. Through this network, leaders share knowledge, coordinate action, and champion solutions that support sustainable fisheries and local economies.
Where we work
Rare works in some of the world’s most biodiverse and climate-vulnerable regions to strengthen community and ecological resilience. Our coastal fisheries program spans communities across Africa, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
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Our donors and partners
Rare works with a wide range of partners to strengthen community-led management of fisheries. The following is a sampling of Rare’s partners and supporters (past and present).
We are grateful to the partners and supporters whose collaboration makes this work possible.
