Purpose and Operating Principles

Click here to see our brochure. (Photo: Evan D'Alessandro)

Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) began in 1996 with a new approach: to encourage scientists who want to safeguard the oceans’ web of life.

Since then, MCBI has become one of the world’s most influential marine conservation organizations.  Our mission:

Advance the science of marine conservation biology and secure protection for ocean ecosystems

We advocate for the multidisciplinary science of marine conservation biology, and for actions that natural and social scientists tell us are essential to maintain the integrity of life in the sea.  Science is central to all we do.

We bring scientists together to examine the most important issues in marine conservation.  If something isn’t both true and important, we don’t advocate for it.  That’s not a constraint; it’s what makes us truly effective.

We cooperate with researchers, fishermen, conservationists, business people, legislators, government officials, educators, reporters, whoever will help us conserve the oceans’ biodiversity.

We believe that marine ecosystem-based management is the way to protect, recover and sustainably use the living sea.

MCBI has been instrumental in making the impacts of destructive fishing methods and protection of places in the sea the leading issues on the world’s marine conservation agenda.  Our work has already catalyzed protection of vast areas of ocean.  And we’ve only just begun to see the consequences of our years of investments.

We’ve achieved remarkable success by:

• having a Board and Staff with deep understanding that comes from our combined centuries of experience in marine science and conservation
• working as a team in everything we do
• seeing both the big picture and the crucial details
• bringing together the best minds to identify key problems and build workable solutions
• partnering with others who want to conserve marine species and ecosystems
• being strategic and focusing our efforts on just a few critical issues
• moving quickly but taking the time to do things right
• knowing how to maximize our impact, so we don’t waste precious time or resources
• sharing understanding of problems and solutions with strategically chosen audiences
• never giving up when there is any hope for succeeding, and
• never resting on our laurels.

MCBI uses just one measure to gauge our success: Are we making a difference in the sea, where it counts?

The answer is “yes.”  We are very proud of what we’ve achieved.  But there is still much more that needs to be done!

Find out more about MCBI:

MCBI Brochure

What is Marine Conservation Biology

History and Accomplishments

Staff and Board

Who we are: