and currently supports a population of over 7500 people. Velondriake, which means "to live with the sea is home to the Vezo, or fishing people whose cultural identity is inextricably tied to the marine environment . The locally managed marine area was established in 2006 and ratified in 2009 in response to concerns over resource depletion: its man- agement plan seeks to empower local communities to manage their coastal and marine resources, support local culture. pro- tect biodiversity, improve livelihoods and promote environmental awareness . Following its establishment, a variety of management measures were enacted including a temporary octopus fisheries closure regime, and bans on destructive fishing practices . Despite these recent