Unlike EAMFRO, which was primarily concerned with fisheries research, the Institute was given a broader mandate of undertaking research, providing advanced training in marine sciences as well as providing advisory and consultancy services in marine affairs. The aims and objectives of the Institute, as spelt out in the UDSM Council paper No. 35.9, are as follows:

1. The Primary objective of the Institute is to undertake research in all aspects of Marine Sciences.
2. The Institute shall provide postgraduate studies in Marine Sciences.
3. Provide advisory and consultancy services in Marine Affairs.
4. In future, and in accordance with the country’s manpower demand, the Institute shall establish undergraduate studies in Marine Sciences.
5. The Institute shall be engaged in exploitation of Marine Resources as part of merging theory and practice.
   

These objectives were aimed at achieving the following national interests:

1. Contribute through research, advice, and direct intervention to Tanzania’s food security programmes.
2. Provide Tanzania with capability and awareness to address problems and issues arising out of the new ocean regime.
3. Contribute significantly to Tanzania’s goal of attaining self-reliance in high-level manpower in marine scientists, engineers and technicians.
4. Create conditions that will enable Tanzania to play its rightful role in ocean affairs, particularly enable Tanzania to make a meaningful contribution to national, regional and international programmes devoted to studies of the ocean and their resources.

VISION
The vision of the Institute is to become an international Centre of Excellence in Research and Development, Training and provision of scientific services in Marine Sciences and Technology for better exploration, exploitation and management of coastal and marine living and non-living resources.

MISSION
The mission of the Institute is to engage in the creation, transmission and application of knowledge in marine sciences and technology through research, training and provision of public services for the exploration and sustainable exploitation of marine living and non-living resources. Furthermore, the Institute will build capacity of sector organisations, knowledge centres and other institutions active in various fields of Marine Sciences and Technology in Tanzania.