The six strategic objectives of VLIZ are: *To Initiate, support, promote and implement innovative and multidisciplinary marine research for the benefit of, in collaboration with or complementary to Flemish and international marine research groups. *Promote the national and international image of Flemish marine research. *Serve as a national and international point of contact in the field of marine research. *Promote ocean literacy in Flanders and marine research visibility among the general public. *Provide tailored scientific data, information, knowledge and insights to the Flemish marine research community, the blue economy and policymakers with regard to marine matters. *Deploy and manage large marine research infrastructure, including research vessels, a marine station and the Flemish Marine Data Centre