Marine Conservation Innovation Group

The Marine Conservation Innovation Group (MCIG) brings together cutting-edge science, design, and technology to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing marine ecosystems today. Based at the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, the MCIG builds on research by Elizabeth Madin and Joshua Madin, whose work on habitat structure, spatial ecology, and remote sensing has helped to reshape how we understand, conserve and monitor reef ecosystems at scale.

Our mission is to develop and apply practical, scalable solutions for marine conservation—solutions rooted in rigorous science and adapted to the realities of a changing ocean. Core themes include mapping spatial patterns using satellites, drones, and photogrammetry; designing geometric reef structures that enhance coral settlement and fish habitat; developing open-source ecological monitoring tools and analytics; and fostering education, training, and technology transfer to empower coastal communities and conservation practitioners.

We also recognize the critical role of communication in conservation. Through innovative science-art collaborations and immersive storytelling, we aim to make complex ecological concepts accessible and inspiring to diverse audiences.

By bridging disciplines and focusing on implementation, the Marine Conservation Innovation Group is charting a new course—where creative, data-driven approaches support thriving oceans and resilient coastal communities.