President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has changed the name and mandate of 'Marine Research Centre' to 'Maldives Marine Research Institute' effective 29th August 2019.

The updated mandate includes researching and collecting scientific data and specimens in regards to sea life and the marine environment. The mandate also includes protecting marine species in threat of extinction, ensuring fishing mechanisms which protect the marine environment and establishing ecosystem-based management in the Maldives.

Moreover, the Maldives Marine Research Institute is mandated with research work and providing expert opinion on developing aquaculture profession in the Maldives. It also includes providing information and partaking in scientific international associations.