Supporting research was one of the first tasks of the Flemish Institute for the Sea. This is done, among other things, by providing access to maritime knowledge, marine data or specialised research infrastructure. Meanwhile, we can also set up and carry out research ourselves; together with and complementary to other research groups.
The marine research capacity in our country is quite large: 135 marine research groups employ over 1,900 marine researchers and specialised personnel in 23 research disciplines. 600 to 900 Belgian marine peer-reviewed publications appear annually. Most research is conducted outside the borders of the North Sea and in collaboration with foreign researchers.