[1][2] Prior to the establishment of Mafia Island Marine Park, experienced local fishermen unanimously reported a decline in catch trends.

Since the establishment of the park, these same fishermen report that the destructive practice of coral mining has been reduced and is now permitted only for subsistence use.

According to several studies, local fishermen and villagers suffered a reduced capacity to provide for themselves and their families because of the loss of key fishing grounds following the implementation of the Mafia Island Marine Park.

[6] These same studies found that, despite these hardships, park management focused mainly on improving marine environmental conditions rather than addressing human needs.

In fact, many studies cite the implementation of MPA's as a cause of vulnerability and uncertainty for local livelihoods.