The document summarizes the South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Project (SWIOFP). The project aims to promote sustainable fisheries management in the Agulhas and Somali Large Marine Ecosystems through an ecosystem approach. Key results include developing regional fisheries databases, assessing fish stocks, and mainstreaming biodiversity into national fisheries policies. Challenges include sharing scientists across countries due to piracy risks and limited regional capacity. Lessons highlight the importance of national project coordinators and partnering with regional management bodies.