The Visayan Sea is one of the most important and threatened marine areas in the Philippines. It is a source of income and food for thousands of people and an ecological resource of world importance. However, over exploitation means that fishing in the area is no longer sustainable and that fishing communities are losing their fishing communities are losing their livelihoods. For this reason, there is an urgent need to do something to stop any further decline in the seas environmental quality. This study, assesses a number of potential management options that could protect biodiversity in the Visayan Sea and help its fishing communities to earn a better living. The study finds that the best way forward would be to use a combination of options, including putting in place a marine protected area and implementing various fishing bans. The study also recommends that a single management body should be set up to oversee the implementation of this multipronged approach.