Hegemony and resistance: Disturbing patterns and hopeful signs in the impact of neoliberal policies on small-scale fisheries around the world

- Neoliberal policies become more dominant or more challenged, depending on context.
- Speculative finance is a focal point for profit in integrated fisheries and aquaculture.
- Social movements led by indigenous groups are protecting fish stocks and habitat.
- Alternative fishing, marketing and licensing strategies are viable.

This paper reviews the major themes and contributions of this Special Issue in light of a broader social science literature on how to conceptualize small-scale fisheries, the role of the state in facilitating or limiting neoliberalism, and the failure of neoliberal policies to improve conservation. It concludes with a look at ways in which neoliberalism is being undermined by emerging alternatives.