An ecosystem approach to small-scale fisheries through participatory diagnosis in four tropical countries

•Participatory diagnoses of small-scale fisheries were undertaken in four tropical developing countries.•Challenges and priorities identified were similar across the contrasting cases.•The transition to ecosystem approach to fisheries is specific to national and local contexts due to differing national policy and site-level opportunities.•Habitat restoration, livelihood enhancement and strengthening governance were prioritized.•Participatory diagnosis is a useful tool for gauging the ‘point of departure’ for change.