The Human Dimensions of Marine and Coastal Ecosystems Program is designed to undertake quantitative and qualitative research to understand user attitudes, values, and amenity to management alternatives through various social science-related themes within resource management. Typically, these themes are social psychology, political science, geography, anthropology, sociology, law and recreation, among others. Within these themes, we utilize frameworks and theories as underlying approaches to researching issues and analyzing data. The outcomes of our research are intended to inform decision-making, and so we work closely with resource managers to design and implement studies. Because we are a science program, we ultimately seek to publish results in peer-reviewed journals and technical memorandums, which benefit the management agency and the program. --------------------------------------------------------