Is it necessary to have a "best"? In my opinion, different things have proved to work (or to "not work" in differnt places).

And isn't it possible to combine all or some options? I mean why not try the ecosystem-based approach (its advantage is taking more criteria under consideration) using a community-based decission-making process (more applied to local ecosystem & societal needs) and also involve different stakeholder groups (to aim for consensus and strike a balance between different priorities and aims)?

My opinion is first of all carry out the assessment. On the basis of the information pulled out with the assessment implement management. In other words the management  must be based on a thorough knowledge of the fishing system (catch, effort, fishermen, gear used, market and so). See: Life cycle traits and stock assessment of Pegusa impar (Bennett, 1831) in the shallow coastal waters of Southwest Sicily

I think that there are no such "best solution" for coastal resources management. Context is also important when consider how best to apply a management approach. It is important to consider management as a process and each of these management options (or a hybrid) can be applied as hypothesis throughout management. Community based management can work at the local context however its important to link that with and adaptive collaborative management framework in which decisions are made not just at the local level but considered at the systems level.  Linking of state and non-state actors at various levels and scales can improve the outcomes of management. 

Yes, A blend of ecosystem, community based approach will be a good option with a thorough sensitization about the theme to the fishermen community. I found the biological approaches are certainly have limitations . However, they help us to generate the data. We are going to trial the combined approach for specific coastal ecosystems in future

The sector needs to first protect the interests of artisinal fishermen. Different states & provinces have different capture & culture techniques.For e.g.Lakshdweep fishermen collecting fish for their tackle for tuna fish may not have any other alternative. Moving stake fishermen operating in sandy zones in Kerala do capture fish seeds, which is detrimental to growing stocks.Some of the Andhra fishermen also collect baby gastropods & the window pane oyster fishermen of Gulf of Kutch also harvest individuals below the permitted 4 inch diameter animals- which have led to dwindling to stocks.

Trawlers operating within the 5 km zone rough up the benthic zone disturbing the various biota. Some of the cement plants use coastal sand,mud & dead along with live corals affects the coastal zone to a great extent.

Hence ecosystem based management plans need to be put in place, so that the resources are sustained.

Now everyone recommend the Integrated approach for Ecosystem based Management to solve any problem. All the river basins should be protected which is most important for the growth of young ones of coastal fishes, they migrate to rivers for feeding and breeding. Mangroves, brackish water lakes and wet lands should also be preserved for maintaining coastal fishery resources. Already our government has started working on this part and taken as critical habitats which are mapped and forwarded to decision makers for further protection. Practically it is very difficult to stop industrialization near by area. But we should find some new approach or make awareness  about the importance.

Manage the social and political conflicts! And, in the meantime, the natural resources would replenish!

I hope there is this BEST practical solution coming sooner! Management of natural resources is a nature-compatible, conservatory and consciously restrained  exploitation. Now, how many of us are practicing such ideal practices?  

Sir, It is nice to receive answer from a stalwart from Goa where we are also l;looking for some practical solutions. Thank you Ramaiah sir

I think the best option is a closed area network  that cover at least 20% of fishing grounds. This may be the result of co-management,, community based management or ecosystem approach or all of them together.

The first option is of course  community based co management. To implement the Ecosystem approach one has to prepare a platform for creating awareness among the coastal community regarding scientific facts.  A linkage of scientific and local governance will actually lead to coastal management. 

We are trying a blend of community, ecosystem and rule based fisheries management in Zuari estuary. The fact is that community is found to be playing a major role in reporting the catch, illegal merchandised vessel intrusions, patrol schedule by govt. vessels.