"CIESM is dedicated to research at the frontiers of marine science. Understanding the processes and changes that govern the functioning of the Mediterranean Sea and affect its interaction with growing coastal populations is one of its primary missions..."

CIESM Programs originate from key recommendations of CIESM Research Workshops. While very different in their objectives, they all share the following characteristics:
        - they are carried out at the whole Basin scale;
        - and have with a medium- to long-term horizon;
        - the participating scientists from both Mediterranean shores use agreed, similar CIESM protocols for sampling
          and analysis, with a policy of open access to the pool of data collected.

At the moment 5 CIESM programs are in full operation. Involving a large number of associated research institutes in CIESM Member States, they monitor parameters of importance for understanding the fast-changing dynamics, biodiversity and ecosystem services, hydrology and health of the Mediterranean and Black Seas: Hydrochanges, Jellywatch, Mediterranean Exotic Species, Migratory Seabirds and Sharks & Rays.

The large scientific gene pool of the Commission -- more than 2000 researchers in over 30 countries -- is structured into six Committees: Marine Geosciences, Physics and  Climate of the Ocean, Marine Biogeochemistry, Marine Microbiology and Biotechnology, Marine Ecosystems and Living Resources, Coastal Systems and Marine Policies.

They organize research workshops, mostly focused on emerging scientific issues, communicate significant discoveries, identify remaining gaps in knowledge, provide impartial analyses of oceanographic trends, and engage in cooperative initatives at the interface between marine disciplines.