In this paper, the author talks about sea tenure using illustrative studies and recent conservation project reports
to make the case for why more clearly defined property rights, in general, and sea tenure practices, in particular, have a critical role to play in designing and managing marine protected areas; and why the persistence of sea tenure-based fishing, though sometimes interpreted as a liability in the international crusade to inventory and save biodiversity, with more support from conservation groups and management agencies could be converted to a key asset.