This Division of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development undertakes research in the marine fisheries.

Marine Fisheries Research Division (MFRD) was established in 1962 as Fisheries Research Unit (FRU) with technical assistance from the Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for the purpose of monitoring sardinella fisheries. The Division’s name was changed from FRU to Fisheries Research and Utilization Branch (FRUB) and then to MFRD. Its current named under the Fisheries Law (Act 625) is now the Fisheries Scientific Survey Division (FSSD). FSSD undertakes research in marine environment and fisheries, and also seeks to the development of fishing gear technology.

The Marine Fisheries Management Division is responsible for the management of marine fisheries resources. It ensures sustainable exploitation of marine fish stocks through the implementation of policies and programmes for the marine fisheries sector, including management of all fishing fleet (canoe, inshore, trawl, and tuna fleets).