This book represents the final output of a policy study that was initiated in 2002 under the auspices of an agreement between the Support unit of International Fisheries and Aquatic Research and the World Bank. The study was informed by a series of seven case studies implemented in selected fisheries from around the globe, each of which was recognized as demonstrating some facets of success. These included: Pacific halibut fishery; fisheries sector of Mauritania; co-managed and community based fisheries in Shetland; traditional community based management in Andhra Pradesh, India; Senegalese artisanal fisheries of Kayar; Namibian hake fishery; and the Australian northern prawn fishery. Core principles from each specific experience were distilled through a consultation process, and these then informed generic conclusions on ‘management good practice’. Each case study illustrates one or more of the several possible dimensions of success. Successful fisheries require institutional capacity both to define an appropriate balance of different parameters within management objectives and to implement and adapt these responsively over time.