The marine conservation lab works with national and international NGOs, regional, national and local governments, and local communities to increase the effectiveness of marine resource management. The group currently focuses on mangroves, a group of plants that inhabit tropical and sub-tropical coastlines. Mangrove ecosystem provide a number of critical functions and services, such as climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, coastal protection, habitat for terrestrial and marine life, and food security. Despite their importance, we have lost over 50% of mangrove cover globally, which increases the vulnerability of coastal communities. 

The marine conservation lab conducts applied research which is integrated into management strategies and restoration initiatives of mangroves, supporting decision makers at local, national and regional levels. We co-design our research with our stakeholders to ensure the science not only support implementation, but also the monitoring and evaluation of management interventions. By fostering local capacity, co-designing our projects, and through knowledge shares, we facilitate the long-term sustainability of our projects. Members of the Lab are involved with the Global Mangrove Alliance, a coalition of organizations working to stop avoided losses of mangroves, double mangrove cover under protection, and restore over 400km² of mangrove, globally by 2030.