The Marine Institute was set up under the Marine Institute Act 1991: “to undertake, to coordinate, to promote and to assist in marine research and development and to provide such services related to research and development, that in the opinion of the Institute, will promote economic development and create employment and protect the marine environment.” It is a State agency responsible for marine research, technology development and innovation in Ireland. They provide scientific and technical advice to Government to help inform policy and to support the sustainable development of Ireland’s marine resource. The institute undertakes and promotes marine research and development. The agency's staff and operations are governed by a ministerially-appointed board. Based at its headquarters near Galway, it has an office in Dublin and two research vessels.
