The ocean is vital to all life on Earth and fundamental for our survival and well being. In the Western Indian Ocean(WIO) region, it provides essential ecosystem services, food, and opportunities for sustainable economic growth, and many cultural and recreational activities for the 65 million people that live within 10 km of the coast (Burke et al., 2011). Further, the Nairobi Convention Contracting Parties derive US$ 25 billion per year (UNEP/ Nairobi Convention Secretariat, 2009) from tourism, fisheries, coastal agriculture, mining, mariculture, and ports and coastal transport sectors.