Most fisheries have many activities that contribute to their functioning, including science, regulation, and enforcement; however, the groups or individuals responsible for carrying out these functions and the relationships between them may vary depending on local conditions. Identifying these stakeholders and their roles within a fishery system can provide context and inform strategies for implementing sustainable fisheries management. The Fishery Systems Mapping Tool helps define the functional roles of stakeholders in a fishery system, clarify the interactions between each group and compare their influence and interest in improving fisheries management. With this tool, fishery practitioners can:

• Develop knowledge about the stakeholders present in a fishery system.
• Evaluate the relationships between fishery stakeholders and visualize the interactions between them, including the flow of information and influence.
• Assess gaps in capacity and challenges to fishery sustainability.
• Identify potential partners and strategic opportunities for improving fisheries management within a fishery system.

Once completed, fishery practitioners can review the suggested approaches for engaging with stakeholders and design fishery reform programs based on fishery-specific circumstances.