Community-based marine protected areas (MPAs) have grown considerably over the past decade (Aalbersberg et al. 2005). In general, they are part of a broader management regime, referred to as marine managed areas (MMAs), and there are now over 550 registered areas in the Pacific region (Govan 2009). Their management is primarily entrusted to the community through groups of concerned users and is carried out with the participation of local and national institutions and private sector actors.