The fisheries sector faces multiple challenges. Despite significant progress a considerable share of global fish stocks remain depleted or overfished and overcapacity is endemic to many fisheries. Policy makers and fishers are increasingly aware that action is needed. But the road to a sustainable fisheries sector is not an easy one. To get there, fisheries managers must challenge preconceived notions and embrace new ideas and engage stakeholders more broadly. Short-term questions of employment and profits of fishers must be carefully balanced against longer term sustainability. To do anything else is to court disaster: collapsed fisheries, empty harbours, and permanent crisis.