This paper provides an analytical framework for the management and development of coastal small-scale fisheries in developing countries. In a brief review the basic management concepts developed for single-species fisheries are presented and their appropriateness is examined for the management and development of small-scale multi-species fisheries. Apart from the higher biological complexity of multi-species fisheries the traditional management concepts also need refinement for socio-economic reasons. The paper describes the constraints under which many small-scale fishermen operate, viz., resource limitation, conflicts with large-scale fisheries, lack of geographical and occupational mobility and lack of alternative employment opportunities. These constraints may temporarily call for higher levels of fishing effort than justifiable from a pure economic efficiency point of view. Still, any long-term improvements in the living standard of small-scale fishermen will necessitate some forms of human intervention, which allocate the resource between different sections of the fishing industry and in general limit the expansion of fishing effort to prevent wastage of capital and human resources. The paper discusses various measures to regulate fishing effort in small-scale fisheries, viz., selectivity of gear; seasonal and area closures; catch quotas; limits on the number of fishing units, on the quantity of gear, or on the catching capacity of vessels; economic controls such as taxes, royalties or licence fees; and resource allocation through territorial rights. The choice among these management alternatives should be based on a set of criteria which include: acceptance by the fishermen, gradual implementation, flexibility, encouragement of efficiency and innovation, full cognizance of regulation and enforcement costs, and due attention to employment and distributional implications. Owing to the geographically dispersed nature of artisanal fisherfolk settlements, the revival and rejuvenation of traditional territorial community rights over coastal resources offer perhaps the best possible management option for small-scale fisheries. Instead of attempting to control fishing directly, such rights aim at creating a conducive environment of self-control by the fishermen themselves. The paper concludes with a presentation of some examples of traditional territorial fishing rights in Brazil, Japan, Sri Lanka and Ivory Coast.