Ecological research is essentially collaborative, as demonstrated by the fish spawning aggregations (FSAs) studies, which heavily relies on fishermen, who are frequently the first to identify aggregations. Fishermen not only have significant knowledge but also a strong attachment to marine habitats and resource utilization. Integrating their ideas improves research and conservation efforts by merging scientific and local knowledge, resulting in a broader understanding of FSAs. Presentations and discussions during the FSA workshop demonstrated efforts done to understand FSAs including technological improvements that have substantially improved FSAs monitoring. In addition, a variety of resources have been used to better understand and apply best practices in FSA research and conservation.

On the management side, strategies have been adaptively defined for specific areas and species, exploiting these long-term knowledge and technological advancements. The creation of marine protected areas and seasonal closures have therefore been outcomes of these management strategies. Nevertheless, it is evident that this should not be the last step in the process with continuous monitoring needed to guarantee effective conservation. At the forefront, numerous marine ecoregions have made tremendous strides to maintain the protection of FSAs and this is a wake-up call for other marine regions to do the same. This workshop not only emphasized inclusiveness at each stage of FSAs research but also the need for adaptable tactics essential to achieving comprehensive knowledge. Fishermen, as always being discoverers of aggregation locations, should be involved in research design and implementation. The continued functioning of marine ecosystems and the success of conservation objectives depend on this inclusive approach.