This study characterizes the fisheries at Babitonga Bay, in the northern coast of Santa Catarina (Brazil), in order to point out management implications  of local contexts. Qualitative and quantitative surveys were conducted at 12 fishing localities in the region, assessing fishing practices, socioeconomic features, and aspects of the institutional organization of fishermen. A great variety of small-scale fishing practices and resources was observed, as well as different ways of fishing commercialization, with considerable differences between localities, resulting in part from differences in spatial use patterns. Despite the existence of a few local associations, so-called “Colônias de Pesca” were the main representative organizations. Yet, not all fishermen acknowledged  their importance. A low degree of political organization of the fishermen was observed, as well as an apparent lack of leadership, moderate participation in representative fora (“Colônias”) and disagreement regarding group union perception. In their own opinion, their interactions with fisheries management government agencies , as well as with partner non-governmental organizations, were weak. Thus, while they realize the worsening conditions of local fisheries, which require management interventions, fishermen find it difficult to communicate with the organizations in charge. Differences in fishery resources use patterns also potentially increase complexity for local fisheries management. Changes in the local fisheries management perspective are needed, with an emphasis on the establishment of collaborative management arrangements (co-management), which could better deal with the complexity of the local fishery context, thus ensuring greater institutional effectiveness.