What began in 2016 as a modest effort to share the findings of CEA Consulting’s global Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) review has since evolved, organically and powerfully, into a thriving global FIP Community of Practice (CoP). This unique space now connects hundreds of FIP implementers from around the world who are learning, sharing, and driving change together.
Back in 2016, there wasn’t a dedicated mechanism for FIP practitioners to come together, exchange ideas, and troubleshoot challenges. Yet FIPs implemented in countries across the globe often face the same roadblocks, questions, and decisions. So why not create a space where they could connect, collaborate, and apply shared learning to their local work?
That idea was the seed. The first workshops were held later that year with a clear mission: foster a space where FIP implementers could learn from one another's successes and failures. The early focus was regional, limited to areas where FIPs were particularly active. Since then, the community has expanded its reach to encompass the Asia Pacific and Latin America/Caribbean regions, growing not just in geography, but in impact.
"Community members have so much knowledge and experience (both what’s worked and what hasn’t worked) when it comes to developing and implementing FIPs, and our goal is to create a space where community members can learn from each other, and then put that learning into practice," said Jesse Marsh, Global Coordinator for the CoP.
Workshops are held every other year to bring stakeholders together in person. These aren’t just conferences—they’re opportunities for connection, collaboration, and practical learning. And for many practitioners who may not be tied into the broader seafood sustainability world, the CoP has become a critical link to peers and knowledge that improves their work on the ground.
During COVID-19, the community adapted by moving to virtual workshops, ensuring that connection and collaboration didn’t skip a beat.
Today, the Community of Practice includes more than 500 members, with over 260 active on Hivebrite, the internal communications platform for the community. The sixth Latin America & the Caribbean workshop was held in Mérida, Mexico in March 2025, marking a major milestone. Four workshops have also been hosted for the Asia Pacific regional CoP, with the next scheduled for September 2026.
Why It Matters
What makes this CoP so effective isn’t just the information shared. It's the relationships built. The most valuable aspect, according to members, is the chance to connect with others doing the same work. Whether they’re just starting out or have been involved in FIPs for years, members come together to swap ideas, mentor one another, and create solutions to shared challenges.
“The community of practice is important and valuable due to the extensive knowledge and experience of its members,” said Lorena Rocha of Comunidad y Biodiversidad, Mexico. “Together, we adapt to and adopt new approaches to solving the challenges faced by the fishing sector, which in turn strengthens the bonds that sustain the community itself.”
This connectivity helps break down communication barriers, builds trust, and fosters collaboration across organizations and regions. It’s also a powerful motivator. By seeing others tackle similar issues, members are inspired to share their own knowledge and think creatively about their work.
The CoP helps practitioners feel less isolated and more empowered, like they’re part of something larger. And in practical terms, these connections lead to better outcomes on the ground, strengthening the daily work of FIPs.
Looking Forward: More Voices, More Impact
While the community today is largely composed of NGO stakeholders, the CoP is actively looking to expand participation from government, fishers, and industry actors. These perspectives are essential for shaping more holistic and effective solutions to the challenges of FIP implementation.
The CoP also provides a platform for collective action, whether it’s discussing the application of FIP guidelines, exploring innovative strategies, or helping ensure that practitioners have a stronger voice in FIP-related decision-making.
Perhaps most importantly, the CoP sparks ideas. It helps community members think through and work through the complexities of FIP implementation, not alone, but together.
"Every year we ask community members to tell us if and how the Community of Practice has been valuable to their work on FIPs–to me this is one of the most important metrics we can use–and so far every year the feedback has been really positive,” said Marsh. “It’s been incredible to see how the conversations and relationships between community members have deepened and evolved over time, and how the community has grown over the last 10 years."
From its humble beginnings in 2016 to today’s global network of practitioners, the CoP has stayed true to its original purpose: creating a space for shared learning, connection, and collaboration. And as the challenges in the seafood sector continue to evolve, so too will this vibrant, practitioner-driven community—ready to learn, adapt, and lead.
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The next FIP CoP workshop, for the Asia Pacific FIP community, will be held September 8-10 in Bali, Indonesia. You can learn more here.