In response to growing calls for just, equitable, and effective climate adaptation that reaches those who need it most, this brief examines the principles of locally led climate adaptation (LLCA) within aquatic food systems. Drawing on a discussion of LLCA’s principles and two illustrative cases, the brief provides insights for research for development (R4D) organizations. It shows that successfully applying the principles of LLCA requires organizations to facilitate grounded adaptation solutions through credible participatory methods and strong community partnerships. However, the brief also highlights challenges to the effective application of LLCA principles and flags questions about the power dynamics underlying definitions of “local” and “adaptation.”