Tackling illegal, unregulated, and unreported trade towards Humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) recovery in Sabah, Malaysia

► Deliberate management planning and action at multiple levels are required to prevent local-scale extinction. ► Local-scale extinction of threatened fish species is linked to livelihoods, food security, and ecological resilience. ► Long-term sustainability of Humphead wrasse and the live reef food fish trade (LRFFT) requires management frameworks tailored to local situations, and focus on gaining support and participation of fish harvesters. ► Capacity, poverty, and legitimacy of law are critical considerations for recovery. ► Illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) activities, habitat destruction, domestic consumption, and knowledge gaps threaten recovery and must be addressed.