Aquaculture Co-Management (ACM)
The Aquaculture Co-Management project is designed to improve collaboration between institutions and the private sector, civil society, supporting services, and other stakeholders along the aquaculture value chain, with the goal of facilitating decision-making.
The application of the co-management concept in aquaculture aims to foster responsible management, equitable sharing and sustainable use of the aquatic resources within the aquaculture sector.
News
The Shrimp Improvement Project in Banyuwangi, Indonesia. A co-management case
25/11/2025
Since the 1980s, farmed shrimp production has surged globally, shifting from traditional methods to more intensive systems. This change has boosted...
Shared waters, shared futures: Shaping aquaculture through co-management
22/05/2025
The side event "Shared waters, shared futures: Shaping aquaculture through co-management " was held on 22 May 2025, on the occasion of the Thirteenth...
Aquaculture co-management: a tool to enable inclusive, efficient and resilient aquatic food systems
12/08/2024
When authorities and stakeholders join forces to co-manage risks and resources in aquaculture, the sector can become more socially, environmentally...
An FAO Guidebook to enhancing sustainability in aquaculture through co-management systems
29/07/2024
Aquaculture plays a crucial role in meeting the growing global demand for aquatic food while addressing food security and environmental challenges....
Co-management in aquaculture: A collective effort towards sustainability
12/07/2024
The concept of co-management as an effective and collaborative approach to managing fisheries resources has been widely recognized and accepted. In...
Publications
Guidebook for developing aquaculture co-management systems (also available in Spanish)
29/07/2024
Co-management, a collaborative decision-making approach between governments and diverse user groups regarding shared resources, has evolved across natural resource settings. Traditionally applied in fisheries, forestry, and water management, co-management tackles short-term resource allocation and long-term climate adaptation challenges. Aquaculture co-management is integral to enhancing aquatic food production, aligning with the FAO's Blue Transformations vision.
Report of the Expert Workshop on Aquaculture Co-management. Hybrid meeting, Kigali, Rwanda, 8–10 June2022
27/10/2023
The FAO Expert Workshop on Aquaculture Co-management gathered global experience and knowledge relevant to the definition and characterization of aquaculture co-management. The main objectives of the workshop were to: elucidate the concept of aquaculture co-management; discuss the effective implementation of aquaculture co-management; draft a methodology and the main steps to guide a successful implementation of co-management systems in aquaculture; and reflect on future sector developments.
Report of Expert Workshop on the Development of the Aquaculture Co-management Guidebook
16/04/2024
This document summarizes the results of the FAO Expert Workshop on the Development of the Aquaculture Co-management Guidebook held in Manila, the Philippines from 9 to 11 October 2023. The workshop aimed at : enhancing understanding of aquaculture co-management; identifying key aquaculture co-management best practices, models and case studies; and reviewing the background document Guidebook for developing aquaculture co-management systems.
e-Learning
Developing aquaculture co-management systems
12/11/2025
This course is designed to raise awareness of the importance and benefits of co-management in aquaculture, while building the skills needed to implement and manage these systems in real-world settings.
Videos
Sustainable aquaculture development through co-management
19/09/2024
In this interview Simon Bush, Professor and Chair of the Environmental Policy Group at Wageningen University, explores the concept of aquaculture co-management.
Enabling aquaculture through co-management
19/09/2024
Aquaculture plays a crucial role in meeting the growing global demand for aquatic food while addressing food security and environmental challenges. Ensuring sustainable development of aquaculture requires effective management strategies; one such approach gaining traction is the implementation of...
Events
22/5
2025
Shared waters, shared futures: Shaping aquaculture through co-management
Roma (Italy), Hybrid Event, 22/05/2025
The side event "Shared waters, shared futures: Shaping aquaculture through co-management " is held on the occasion of the Thirteenth Session of the Sub-Committee on Aquaculture (COFI:AQ). It presents aquaculture co-management (ACM) as a practical approach to support the implementation of the FAO Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA), which are essential for fostering environ...
26/11
2024
27/11
2024
Joint FAO-Korea project drives sustainable aquaculture development through co-management
Seogwipo-si (South Korea), Hybrid Event, 26/11/2024 - 27/11/2024
Aquaculture is one the fastest growing sectors and plays a vital role in meeting the world's increasing demand for aquatic foods. As sustainable food production becomes increasingly critical, the aquaculture sector is beginning to embrace co-management practices. This approach brings together authorities, producers, civil society, and local communities to tackle issues like disease outbreaks...
9/10
2023
11/10
2023
Expert workshop on the development of the Aquaculture Co-Management Guidebook
Metro Manila (Philippines), 09/10/2023 - 11/10/2023
Co-management is an instrument that could effectively foster a more sustainable approach to the management of aquatic resources.
In fisheries, co-management refers to a mode of governance through which resource users and government share responsibility and authority for the management of fishery resources, with support and assistance as needed from other stakeholders, external agents, ...