Values & Principles

At MARES, we are deeply concerned about the well-being of marine and coastal ecosystems. Beaches, dunes, coral reefs, kelp forests, wetlands, and other habitats are rapidly degrading due to human activity. The responsibility to act urgently falls on all of us, scientists, educators, conservationists, and citizens alike.

 

We strive to replace mistrust and conflict between environmental and industrial groups with collaboration, transparency, and decision-making based on the science of sustainability. Development permits and policies must prioritize long-term ecological balance over short-term interests.

 

“The moral, ethical, and practical responsibility to protect species and their habitats, as well as to strengthen public connections to nature and increase general understanding of the role that species and natural systems serve in supporting society. All of these elements are important to increase public and political support for conservation.” 1

 

We uphold that only through shared responsibility and cooperation can we secure a sustainable future for our coastal and marine resources.

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(1) Merenlender A.M.  et. al., 2016. Stewardship, Conservation, and Restoration in the Context of Environmental Change. In H. Mooney, & E. Zavaleta (Eds.), Ecosystems of California, Chapter 41, University of California Press

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• Responsibility – We recognize our duty to act urgently to protect marine and coastal ecosystems.

 

• Transparency – Decision-making and development permits must be open and based on science.

 

• Collaboration – We promote cooperation among citizens, scientists, conservation groups, industries, and governments.

 

• Sustainability – All actions must prioritize the long-term health of ecosystems over short-term interests.

 

• Stewardship – We hold a moral, ethical, and practical responsibility to safeguard species and habitats.

 

• Awareness & Education – We strengthen public understanding of the vital role nature plays in supporting society.