Thedwindlingofcoastalresourcesisofgreat concern to many developing countries. Critical habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds make up the coastal ecosystems. These ecosystems are important for the wellbeing of people, coastal communities in particular. Coastal fisheries sustain many economies, coral reef associated fisheries supply 10 to 12% ofthe world’s total fish landings. About 90% offish landings in tropical developing countries comes from coastal waters and supplies 40% to 95% of animal protein consumptioa Human activities have begun to degradethese ecosystems. Destructive fishing methods, over harvesting, pollution and sedimentation due to unplanned land use practices are the major causes. Several countries have attanpted to arrestthis trend by introducing various regulations to manage resource exploitation and by declaring marine protected areas. However, measures taken to protect and managethe resources havenot produced the desired results, mainly due to the lack o f involvement ofthe communities concerned.