The  Marine Institute of Ireland is a national agency which was established under statute in 1992. The Marine Institute's role is twofold: 

 
1. To support existing marine businesses and related activities through the provision of key scientific services and advice and through the results of research to provide for wise mangement decisions to guide the on-going sustainable development of the marine resource 

 
2. To support RTDI (research, technology, development and innovation) activity to create further employment and to underpin future innovation, growth and wealth creation in the marine area.

The Marine Institute is the National Reference Laboratory for microbiological and virological contamination of live bivalve molluscs and plays a key role in this important area of seafood safety within Ireland.