Optimizing voluntary compliance in marine protected areas: A comparison of recreational fisher and enforcement officer perspectives using multi-criteria analysis

► A comprehensive list of planning criteria for optimizing compliance in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) was compiled. ► Views of recreational fishers and compliance officers for facilitating voluntary compliance in marine protected area and analysis revealed that both groups had similar perspectives and recommendations. ► The study provides empirical evidence that adopting manageability criteria during the planning of MPAs could lead to a marked increase in voluntary compliance. ► Greater consideration to compliance planning during MPA design and zoning is recommended in order to optimize voluntary compliance.