MPAs protect demersal resources so that fishers no longer haveto rely too heavily on pelagic resources and can consequently bene-fit from the income that comes with steadier catch volumes. MPAshas also a positive gender impact by giving fishers’ spouses anddaughters a significant professional occupation in the fisheriessector, especially in post-harvesting activities. These economicbenefits give WA-MPA households more economic security so thatthey can stay focused on the most profitable professional activitiesand not have to diversify outside of the fishing sector. Indeed, itappears that in an environment where commercial small-scale fish-ing was already highly developed, setting up an MPA had the effectof sustaining an efficient, specialised professional set-up for fishinghouseholds in the area concerned, a paradoxical ending when oneremind that multi-purpose MPAs are usually seen as instrumentsto protect local communities’ traditional livelihood strategies.With respect to a policy to establish MPAs in keeping with theDurban recommendations, this study shows that it is important notto jump to conclusions about who the winners and losers mightbe. A thorough analysis of profitability, income distribution andeconomic vulnerability can identify the losers and hence improvethe targeting of mitigation and compensation measures.