In 2005, a network of 3 large, district-wide marine protected areas (MPAs) and 17 village-managed closures (tabu) was established in Kubulau District, Fiji. Underwater visual census (UVC) data of fish biomass and benthic cover were collected between 2007 and 2009 and analysed with PERMANOVA and ANOSIM to assess differences between closed and open areas. High reef fish biomass (>1000？kg/ha) within closures, significantly elevated over open areas, was consistently observed from: (1) tabu areas on naturally productive reefs within visual distance from villages; and (2) the large, long-term permanent closure located away from fishing pressure. Factors that may have contributed to low fish biomass within closures include small size of closures; noncompliance with management rules; and disclosure of management success to fishers from villages with high reliance on fisheries products. Future success of the network depends on improving awareness of management rules and ensuring implementation within a broader ecosystem framework. 1. Introduction While the tropical western Pacific is a recognized hotspot for global marine biodiversity [1, 2], rapid loss of species and stocks are imminent as Pacific Island nations rely heavily on inshore and offshore fisheries for economic development and sustenance [3]. In the Fiji Islands, although fisheries data are often uncertain, there has been a high level of pressure on coastal fisheries in the past few decades [4]. Of the 410 traditionally managed fishing grounds (qoliqoli), at least 70 are considered overexploited while a further 250 are fully developed [5]. Rising prices for fish and fishery products have contributed to declines in artisanal catches from 1996 to 2002 [6], while percentages of catches sold are increasing: catch per unit effort (CPUE) from recent surveys of village catch from locations across Fiji suggests that 70% of catch is being sold [7]. In recognition of declines in coastal fisheries and marine biodiversity, there has been a global movement to increase the amount of area in the oceans under some form of protection [8]. The benefits of marine protected areas (MPAs) are recognized to include increases in abundance and biomass of targeted species [9], which may lead to increased recruitment [10, 11] and migration of adults into neighbouring areas [12]. These benefits, however, rely strongly on effective compliance and enforcement as well as selection of appropriate size and spacing of MPAs within a network. Furthermore, most positive and lasting effects have been observed in permanent no-take areas
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