In 23 Vezo fishing villages in the region of Andavadoaka, along the southwest coast of Madagascar, communities have collectively established seasonal and permanent restrictions on critical fishing grounds that together make up 823km2 marine protected area. It began in 2003 when after significant declines in the catch of octopus and fish, the inhabitants of Andavadoaka decided to establish a trial no-take-zone. After seven months of restricted octopus harvesting, population and average size of the species had increased. News of the success spurred many neighbouring communities to follow suit. In 2006, an association was established to oversee the growing community-based management efforts and provide a structure to address the concerns of the fishermen in the region. The Velondriake (To live with the sea) association has elected representatives from each of the participating villages which are subdivided into three administrative bodies by geographic region. This study analyses how and to what extent the participating communities are benefitting from the protection and regulation of marine areas, and how local development initiatives can be improved and expanded to better integrate local needs and enhance the quality of life.