The book is full of detailed and useful information on traditional fishing techniques woven into a narrative that is interesting in its own right. MacKenzie concludes his book with descriptions of trips he has taken with contemporary fishermen in which he vividly relates the day-to-day existence of the people who still pursue their livelihood on the water.

This book is the first to consolidate information on the different routes by which these co-operative management arrangements have evolved. The authors include anthropologists, environmental planners, biologists, economists, fishery managers and tribal and governmental leaders. Their contributions examine the process of achieving co-management, the institutions created by co-management arrangements, and the benefits which result. Some of these benefits include more efficient and equitable management, less conflict between government and fishermen, and better co-operation between groups of fishermen. Co-operative Management of Local Fisheries looks at successes and failures of these arrangements for shared decision-making and offers guidelines for viable co-operative management.