Coral reef management has focused traditionally on the biophysical aspects of coral reefs – the corals, other benthos, fishes and the physics and chemistry of surrounding waters. Today reefs are coming under increasing pressures from human activities. Therefore, the human dimension of reef management must play an important role in reef management programmes that now emphasise stakeholder involvement, community participation, and cooperative management. This is especially important in countries where people depend on reefs for subsistence and commercial fisheries, shoreline protection, and tourism attractions and yet their behaviour often adversely affects the health of the reef ecosystems.