The main role of the Section is to conduct research on all aspects relating to fisheries resources so as to provide the necessary information and technical support for the rational development and management of the fisheries.  From exploratory and monitoring surveys, new potential fishing grounds and species could be identified for development.  Surveys are regularly carried out to support the formulation of effective fisheries management measures. The goal of rational development and effective management is to ensure that the fisheries resources in Malaysia are harvested in a sustained manner.

Objectives

• To conduct research on all aspects relevant to fisheries resources in Malaysia so as to ensure sustained fisheries development and effective management;
  
• To conduct resource surveys in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Malaysia in order to provide information for the rational development of deep sea fisheries;
  
• To monitor the performance of the commercial and traditional    fishing fleets so as to ensure rational and effective management of the  inshore fisheries resources;
  
• To conduct research on the biology and ecology of commercial finfish, shrimps and molluscs in order to provide information for their proper exploitation and conservation;
  
• To carry out studies and trials on the selectivity of fishing gears with the aim of developing environmentally friendly fishing technology.
  

Major Research Programmes;

• Monitoring and Assessment of Deep Sea Fisheries
  
• Research on Tuna Resources
  
• Fisheries Hydroacoustics and Oceanography
  
• Coastal Demersal Finfish and Shrimp Resources Monitoring and Assessment
  
• Monitoring of the Catches of Commercial Fishing Boats and Biological Studies on Commercial Species
  
• Research on Fishing Gears