Dr. Mia Comeros supports and co-manages integration across PacIOOS teams and partners, connecting ocean observing, data, and decision-support efforts as the Deputy Director of the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS). She contributed Pacific regional expertise and ridge-to-reef system perspective as an ocean and coastal health specialist to the conceptual and analytical framing of integrated risk assessments, Pacific Ciguatera Network, and marine debris regional discussions within PICCH. She also supported development of the Pacific Islands Coastal and Community Health Fellowship.

She is interested in how land-based processes shape coral reef ecosystems, fisheries, and community resilience across Pacific Island environments. Grounded in reef ecology and ridge-to-reef research, her work has evolved toward supporting the partnerships and ocean observing data infrastructure that Pacific Island communities are developing to inform decisions about their coastal and ocean resources. Her work is guided by the understanding that meaningful science and observing grows from reciprocal relationships, listening, and respect for Indigenous knowledge and place.

Key Research Interests:
Coastal/nearshore water quality
Inter-ecosystem biotic-abiotic relationships
Community-driven ocean observing tools