The MARS network is a foundation created by, and open to, Europe’s marine research institutes and stations.

The Marine Stations Network (MARS) was established in 1995 as a forum for bringing together directors of marine stations and institutes throughout Europe to discuss issues relevant to the whole community in a collaborative and neutral manner. MARS also provides an important avenue to feed into European and international marine policy related to marine research funding and broader strategic issues and, most importantly, highlights and promotes the importance of marine stations and institutes at a time when our seas and oceans are under more pressure than ever before.

Although the core of MARS is the pan European network of marine research institutes and stations, MARS is also developing into a more internationally focused network and continues to work towards the development of the World Association of Marine Stations (WAMS).