Timor-Leste is a part-island nation, with a large ocean territory, but makes relatively little use of its marine resources. Fisheries can play a greater role in livelihood support, nutrition security and nation building, but sustainability of fish stocks and habitats must be central to this. WorldFish and Blue Ventures, supported by the Minderoo Foundation, will work with government, other stakeholders and fishing communities to pilot equitable, sustainable co-management approaches to support the development of small-scale fisheries.