The Marine Institute (Foras na Mara) is Ireland's national agency responsible for Marine Research, Technology Development and Innovation (RTDI). We aim to assess and realise the economic potential of Ireland's 220 million acre marine resource; promote the sustainable development of marine industry through strategic funding programmes and essential scientific services; and safeguard our marine environment through research and environmental monitoring.The Institute was set up under the 1991 Marine Institute Act with the following role: "...promote economic development and create employment and protect the marine environment"The Marine Institute is headquartered at Rinville, near Oranmore, County Galway on the west coast of Ireland. It also operates an aquaculture and catchment management laboratory and office facility at Furnace, near Newport, Co. Mayo as well as offices and laboratories in a number of Ireland's fishing ports.The Marine Institute employs approximately 189 staff including specialists in fisheries, marine environment, technology, aquaculture, catchment management, ocean energy, functional foods and marine climate change, as well as experts in information technology, communications and logistical support.The vision statement of the Marine Institute is"A thriving maritime economy in harmony with the ecosystem and supported by the delivery of excellence in our services."