Marine Management Area Science

Each Marine Management Area Science (MMAS) study generates three types of products. Work plans clarify the research agenda, peer-reviewed articles ensure the results are valid and Science-to-Action products feed the scientific findings into decision-making.

Each of the four MMAS Focus Areas also produces Science-to-Action products and peer-reviewed publications that integrate across the studies in that location. 

We also produce global insights by integrating across studies in different geographies to develop peer-reviewed publications and Science-to-Action products.

Work Plans

Developed by the project’s scientists with conservation partners, the work plan for each study describes the objectives, methods, research team, conservation partners, target audiences, capacity-building efforts, anticipated conservation impacts, anticipated peer-reviewed articles and anticipated Science-to-Action products. Work plans are developed and agreed on before the research begins.

Peer-Reviewed Articles

Peer-reviewed publications are fundamental to ensuring the science we produce is validated and accessible to the scientific community. The articles are written at the completion of research.

Examples:

• Drew, J.A., G. R. Allen, L. Kaufman, and P. H. Barber. 2008. Regional color and genetic differences demonstrate endemism in five putatively cosmopolitan reef fishes. Conservation Biology 22(4):965-975.
• Dinsdale EA, Pantos O, Smriga S, Edwards AR, Angly F et al. 2008. Microbial ecology of four coral atolls in the Northern Line Islands. PLoS One 3(2):e 1584. doi:101371/journa.lpone.0001584.
• Francini-Flho, R. and Moura, R. 2008. Evidence for spillover of reef fishes from a no-take marine reserve: An evaluation using the before-after control-impact approach. Fisheries Research 93: 346-356.
• Kaufman, L., L. B. Karrer and P. Peterson. 2009. Monitoring and Evaluation. In: Leslie, H. and K. McLeod (Eds.) Ecosystem-Based Management for the Oceans. pp. 115-128 (Chapter 7). Island Press, Washington, DC, USA. 392 pp.

Science-to-Action Products

Science-to-Action products provide scientific findings in formats that are useful and easily accessible to stakeholders. Examples of Science-to-Action products are white papers, posters, synthesis booklets, guidebooks and videos. These products are part of our larger outreach efforts, which include one-on-one discussions with key decision makers; stakeholder workshops and meetings; and more public forums such as radio broadcasts.

Examples:

• Conservation International. 2008. Economic Values of Coral Reefs, Mangroves, and Seagrasses: A Global Compilation. Center for Applied Biodiversity Science, Conservational International, Arlington, VA, USA.  
  Economic Values of Coral Reefs, Mangroves, and Seagrasses (PDF - 7.82 KB)
• Loper, C. et al. 2008. Socioeconomic Conditions Along the World’s Tropical Coasts: 2008. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Washington, DC, USA. 52 pp.
• Marine Integrated Decision-Analysis System (MIDAS)
  Marine Integrated Decision-Analysis System User Guide (PDF - 306 KB)