The Ma-Re Institute was officially constituted in October 2006 as one of the first signature themes at UCT. This was the culmination of a consultative process involving all marine researchers at UCT. It was agreed that, at an institutional level, UCT would greatly enhance its strength in the marine research and teaching field through formalised collaboration and coordination of all marine researchers and academics across disciplinary boundaries. The Ma-Re Institute will always strive to transform the marine field through capacity building and skills development. The Ma-Re Institute is open to all marine-related research groups and individuals at UCT, studying the ocean and ‘salty waters’ of the coastal zone, as well as all issues influencing these areas (e.g. socio-economic, legal, historical etc), with a particular focus on implementing a co-ordinated multi-disciplinary research approach.