The Strait of Gibraltar and its adjoining ocean basins environment is one of the most important geographic and geostrategic points worldwide. It represents a bridge between seas (Atlantic and Mediterranean) between continents (Europe and Africa), between countries (Spain, Morocco), and it is one of the busiest shipping routes, becoming mix of cultures, trade, interest, etc. In this unique location, the International Campus of Excellence in Marine Science (CEI·MAR) joined the University of Cadiz (UCA), the University of Granada (UGR), the University of Huelva (UHU), the University of Malaga (UMA), the University of Almeria (UAL). Other local bodies and institutions related with marine research (CAS, CSIC, IEO, IFAPA, ROA, IHM and ARQUA) are involved in this joint project. The CEI·MAR Foundation provides these institutions with a joint legal structure, which enables the relationships among partners. 

The study and management of the sea off the coast of southern Spain would not be complete if it were not done in unison with the Portuguese and Moroccan coast. Thus, the University of Algarve (UAlg, Portugal) and the University Abdelmalek Essaâdi (UAE, Morocco) work together with the Spanish universities and institutions in the management of this project, providing a strong cross-border and international aspect to the Campus.

CEI·MAR's membership in EuroMarine does not substitute itself to that of UCA and other institutions directly involved in EuroMarine. It aims at providing access to EuroMarine to other marine science organisations, namely UGR, UHU, UMA, UAL.