Network for Science to Action
We conduct scientific studies and Science-to-Action (S2A) activities in coral reef ecosystems around the world to advance conservation at local to global scales. Partnerships with diverse organizations are crucial to the MMAS Program's success.


Four Focus Areas
Much of our scientific and S2A work is targeted in four Focus Areas:

These locations represent a range of environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic conditions, and they offer significant conservation opportunities. A Science-to-Action Coordinator based in each Focus Area fosters connections among scientists, managers, and other stakeholders to identify science needs and to provide scientific information for management. MMAS-funded scientists conduct a coordinated program of natural and social science research and monitoring to address the S2A needs in each Focus Area. These local efforts are supported by the MMAS Science Advisory Committee and the MMAS headquarters staff.


Insights at a Global Scale
We conduct studies at many other coral reefs around the world in addition to our Focus Areas. The sites are selected to fulfill the particular scientific objectives of MMAS studies relating to the program’s six themes. Our portfolio of more than 40 scientific studies generates findings that are useful for conservation at each study site, and we integrate the findings to provide a global perspective.