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Science for the Ocean’s Future
The ocean is under siege from excessive fishing, pollution, climate change, and numerous other impacts. Unless sea life is protected, we risk losing much of the biodiversity, food, tourism revenue, aesthetic enjoyment, and other benefits that people receive from the ocean.
The Marine Management Area Science (MMAS) program was established in 2005 with seed funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to identify the best ways to use marine management areas to sustain ocean health.
Science to Action
The mission of MMAS is to harness the power of science to provide conservation solutions. MMAS studies key aspects of the ocean ecosystem to reveal critical insights for conservation. We partner with policy makers, resource managers, and other decision-makers at local to global levels to facilitate successful, science-based conservation.
Our Science-to-Action efforts have catalyzed the improvement of fishing regulations in Panama and the establishment of new marine management areas in Fiji, Brazil, and the southern Pacific Ocean.
Subsection 01
We conduct research on the biodiversity, ecosystem service, and human well-being aspects of marine management areas by drawing on the natural and social sciences. We design our studies to address critical management questions through a global learning network. Our Science-to-Action activities ensure that high-quality science is used in conservation decision-making.
Subsection 02
We perform scientific studies at a network of sites around the world to provide global solutions. In four focal areas – Belize, Brazil, Fiji, and the Eastern Pacific Tropical Seascape – we carry out intensive programs of research and Science-to-Action activities to generate local conservation impacts.
Subsection 03
MMAS is committed to making science accessible and useful for conservation. In addition to peer-reviewed articles, we produce Science-to-Action materials, such as guidebooks, white papers, posters, and synthesis booklets. We integrate findings from our global network of studies to pursue Science to Action at an international level.
Subsection 04
MMAS staff members in Belize, Brazil, Fiji, and Eastern Tropical Pacific Seascape work in close partnership with scientists and conservationists in the Focus Areas. Staff members at MMAS headquarters and a Science Advisory Committee of international experts guide the program’s strategy and implementation.
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