We support coastal communities in initiating fisheries management that aims to protect marine ecosystems and habitats that are important to them, namely coral reefs and mangrove forests. Together with local partners and communities, we define specific fisheries management steps, starting with participatory fisheries monitoring to look at local fisheries trends over time and using data collected by communities to discuss steps towards fisheries management such as temporary closure of areas fishery regularly, especially for economically important fisheries, such as octopus and mud crab. By combining data, knowledge and community knowledge as the basis for community-based fisheries management, we encourage the formation of locally-managed marine areas (LMMAs) for the sustainability of community livelihoods for the future.