Mission Statement

To improve the welfare and economic growth of Utila and Honduras by supporting the management and sustainable use of marine biodiversity.

Aims and Objectives

The aim of UCME is to conduct applied marine research integrating ecological and socioeconomic studies. This information is then used to support effective management and conservation strategies working with local communities as well as national authorities.

To achieve this Utila Centre for Marine Ecology has three interlinked objectives:

1) Research

• To conduct and support relevant research that increases the understanding of complex marine ecosystems in the Bay Islands
• To use collated information to assist in the effective management and sustainable use of the island's natural resources.

2) Education & Capacity Building

• To provide a point of contact and source of information on tropical island biodiversity
• To give specially designed educational courses on marine and island ecology
• To develop national capacity in marine resource assessment and research techniques

3) Conservation

• To be a leading voice for the conservation of tropical island ecosystems
• To create and support innovative conservation strategies based on results from local and regional studies
• To provide experts on the island's biological resources for national and regional forums