The Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) promotes accumulation of marine knowledge and excellence in marine research in Flanders. The marine research areas are the ocean and seas, the coast and the tidal systems. The target groups for knowledge accumulation are the marine research community as well as educational institutions, the general public, policymakers and the industry (within the scope of the blue economy).

VLIZ serves as a national and international point of contact in the field of marine research. The institute also supports and accommodates several international organisations on behalf of the Flemish government. VLIZ manages the Simon Stevin, a marine research vessel equipped with marine robots as well as other research equipment. The institute develops data systems, products, technologies and infrastructure and also manages an extensive collection of marine scientific literature in Flanders. In addition, VLIZ initiates and conducts innovative and multidisciplinary research in collaboration with and complementary to the Flemish and international marine research groups.