ZMT's tasks are manifold. The Center, , - plans and implements partnership projects to better understand and manage tropical marine ecosystems, , - engages in educational activities in the field of tropical aquatic ecology and cooperates in scientific capacity building in tropical countries, , - facilitates coordination and communication among scientists and institutions active in the field of tropical marine ecology., , international partnerships:, Current activities include partnership projects in countries in South and Central America, Western and Southern Africa, the Middle East and in South and Southeast Asia. The projects are tailored to suit the needs of the partner countries in developing the necessary expertise and tools for research and capacity building. Throuhg its partnership projects ZMT contributes to the activities of several international organizations and their programs. International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU), the Land-Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone (LOICZ) of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Program (IGBP) and the Man of the Biosphere Program (MAB) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). , , research:, ZMT conducts research in the field of ecology, biogeochemistry, modelling as well as in the management of tropical coastal ecosystems covering mangroves, estuaries, coral reefs and the adjacent coastal seas. The research aims at advancing knowledge on the structure and functioning of tropical marine ecosystems and contributes to improving the scientific data base necessary for managing their ressources. Current projects investigate the impact of human interventions on the regulatory and socio-economic functions of tropical ecosystems and involve coastal communities and stakeholders. Project results are incorporated into models and predictions on ecological responses to various scenarios that go into the recommendations for integrated coastal zone management., , capacity building:, ZMT engages itself in a wide range of activities in the field of education and training which include an international study program, conventional university teaching as well as the organization of special courses, workshops and seminars in Bremen and in partner countries. In close cooperation with the University of Bremen ZMT has developed the Master's Course International Studies in Aquatic Tropical Ecology (ISATEC) - a two year Master of Science international study program on aquatic tropical ecology - offered in English, which aims at the joint education and specialization of German and foreign postgraduates., , coordination:, Supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) the German Contact Office for Tropical Coastal Research was founded at ZMT in 1995. It promotes communication and cooperation at national and international levels between scientists and research units engaged in activities related to the ecology and management of tropical coastal environments and with the relevant industries.