Indonesia’s South China Sea sub-region (WPPNRI 711) is a strategically important fisheries management area that supports national fish production, marine biodiversity conservation, food security, and coastal livelihoods. However, the sustainability of fisheries resources in the region is increasingly threatened by overexploitation, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, habitat degradation, and climate change. These challenges disproportionately affect small-scale fishers, women, youth, and other marginalized groups who often have limited access to resources, information, and decision-making processes. This study examines fisheries production trends, stock exploitation status, environmental pressures, aquaculture development, and governance performance in WPPNRI 711 through a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) lens. A descriptive policy-analysis approach was employed using secondary data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), fisheries stock assessments, climate datasets, policy documents, and scientific literature. The findings indicate that several commercially important fish stocks have reached overexploited levels, while climate change is projected to reduce fisheries catch potential by approximately 12%. Despite relatively comprehensive fisheries policies, governance remains constrained by weak institutional coordination, limited stakeholder participation, and insufficient integration of GESI considerations. The study highlights the importance of embedding gender-responsive and socially inclusive approaches within ecosystem-based management and climate adaptation strategies to strengthen resilience, promote equitable access to resources, and ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries and coastal communities in WPPNRI 711.