This paper describes cluster-based management systems, formation processes, legal status, scope of works, and community responses to the approaches in five sites managed by CNRS under the Community based Fisheries Management (Phase 2) project (CBFM-2). The paper presents some key achievements of cluster/apex based approaches relevant to wider area issues such as restricting harmful fishing practices, reclaiming khas lands from illegal occupation, fish friendly operation of sluice gates, basin-wide integrated management, stopping the sale of banned gears, conflict resolution in upstream-down stream areas, which may have been impossible for single water body-based CBOs. A cluster approach also encourages individual CBOs managing their respective water bodies within the wider area through periodic sharing of lessons, assisting each other’s needs and realizing services from local agencies which will have contributed towards developing capacity and sustainability beyond the project period.