MASMA was established to reduce the predominance of narrowly focused natural science research, limited emphasis on interdisciplinary research, and limited attention to the critical links between science and the larger societal issues in the region. Consequently, MASMA seeks to strengthen applied and interdisciplinary research on both the natural and social science aspects of coastal environmental issues for the purpose of advancing knowledge that is directly relevant to society and resource management.

A principal component of the MASMA programme is the competitive grants to support regional research. The grants are also available for the organization of training courses and workshops geared towards strengthening research capacity and regional needs. MASMA encourages and supports multi/trans-disciplinary research efforts; promotes regional collaboration in research amongst the experts from the different countries in the WIO, and partnerships between scientists from within and outside the region; and more importantly, it aims at building professionalism and competence of researchers in designing and coordinating research projects.