The Institute of Marine Research, Norway, undertakes research on marine resources, the marine environment and aquaculture. The principal objective of the Institute is to provide scientific advice in the above areas to the Norwegian authorities, industry and society as a whole. The work of the Institute is primarily concentrated on the ecosystems of the Barents Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the North Sea, and the Norwegian coastal zone. With a staff of about 600, the Institute of Marine Research is the largest marine research institution in Norway, and in many of its areas of research it plays a leading role at international level. Most of its activities are based in Bergen, but the Institute also has a department in Tromsø and research stations in Matre and Austevoll near Bergen, as well as in Flødevigen near Arendal. The Institute operate four large research vessels.