Institute of Marine Affairs

What Institute of Marine Affairs does

The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) is a multi-disciplinary government research institute of Trinidad and Tobago, headquartered in Chaguaramas and statutorily mandated by Act No. 13 of 1990 to collect, analyze, and disseminate information on marine affairs and to implement marine programmes for the country. It serves as the designated Regional Activity Centre (RAC) for the Land-Based Sources of Marine Pollution (LBS) Protocol under the Cartagena Convention for the English-Speaking Caribbean, and operates research programmes across Biodiversity & Ecology, Environmental Quality, Fisheries & Aquaculture, Oceanography & Coastal Processes, and Marine Governance & Policy. IMA also maintains the largest repository of marine biodiversity data in Trinidad and Tobago, accumulated over more than 45 years.

Its core products and platform include the Marine Data Hub (MDH), a web-based GIS portal for geospatial marine data; the seaiTT mobile education application; the 'Beyond the Blue' radio/podcast series; project platforms for MARIN Tobago (coral reef and seagrass restoration with bpTT), LionfishTT (invasive species control), and PROMAR (marine litter prevention); the 24-hour marine incident reporting service; and publications including the Coral Reefs of Trinidad and Tobago monograph, tidal calendars, and research reports. Technology is supported by a Geomatics Unit using GIS and Remote Sensing.

IMA is a state entity and does not operate a commercial revenue model. Funding flows from Government of Trinidad and Tobago statutory allocations layered with project grants and sponsorships from bilateral and multilateral partners including bpTT (US$1M MARIN Tobago grant), the Inter-American Development Bank (Blue Carbon pilot), Shell Trinidad and Tobago (publication sponsorship), Republic Bank Limited (broadcast and Blue Economy partnership), UNEP, and the Government of Cuba via the GAMMA MOU. Customer segments are led by government ministries and agencies, with secondary segments in international development partners, educational institutions, civil society, and marine resource users.

Name

Institute of Marine Affairs

Legal name

Institute of Marine Affairs

Website

https://ima.gov.tt

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Institute of Marine Affairs is a government-mandated multi-disciplinary marine research institute in Trinidad and Tobago (est. 1974, Act No. 13 of 1990) that conducts coastal and marine research, maintains the country's largest marine biodiversity data repository, and serves as the Regional Activity Centre for the Cartagena Convention's LBS Protocol across the English-Speaking Caribbean.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Research and Coastal Management Services

NAICS

Environmental Consulting Services (54162), Administration of Conservation Programs (92412), Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (9241)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPADALAI

Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/Climate, Environment & Sustainable Development Programs

SECONDARYBPAGAGAE

Marine & Freshwater Conservation

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Environmental & Conservation Organizations

SECONDARYBPAIAMAI

Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines)

Business & Public Services/Public Sector & Government Administration/Environmental Protection & Natural Resources Administration

SECONDARYIMAIAGAI

Marine & Coastal Remediation (Shoreline/Port Spill Cleanup)

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Industrial Services & Facility Operations/Environmental & Hazardous Materials Services (Remediation/Asbestos/Spill Response)

Keywords

• Marine research services
• Coastal management advisory
• Marine biodiversity data
• Fisheries and aquaculture
• Marine environmental monitoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Chaguaramas

HQ country

Trinidad & Tobago

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Institute of Marine Affairs conducts multi-disciplinary research and provides expert advisory services on the sustainable management of Trinidad and Tobago's coastal and marine areas. Its portfolio spans six research programmes (Biodiversity & Ecology, Environmental Quality, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Oceanography & Coastal Processes, Marine Governance, and Geomatics), the Marine Data Hub geospatial platform, restoration projects such as MARIN Tobago, marine education tools (seaiTT app, Beyond the Blue radio series, Marine Education Centre), and policy advisory to government ministries.

Product overview

The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) operates as a multi-disciplinary research organization offering a portfolio of research programmes, data platforms, educational resources, and community services focused on the sustainable management of Trinidad and Tobago's coastal and marine areas. The core offerings include the Marine Data Hub (MDH) for geospatial data sharing, the Beyond the Blue broadcast series, the seaiTT mobile app, and the Marine Education Centre. Research is organized through specialized programmes covering Biodiversity & Ecology, Environmental Quality, Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Oceanography & Coastal Processes. Major projects include MARIN Tobago for coral reef restoration, LionfishTT for invasive species management, and PROMAR for marine litter prevention. The organization also publishes educational materials including the Coral Reefs of Trinidad and Tobago book and maintains a marine incident reporting service.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Marine Data Hub (MDH): A web-based data-sharing platform utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating geospatial data for marine applications.
• seaiTT
• MARIN Tobago
• LionfishTT
• Beyond the Blue
• Marine Education Centre

Products and services

• Marine Data Hub (MDH) Web-based Geographic Information Systems platform for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating geospatial marine data. Enables researchers, students, and the public to explore biodiversity data, build digital maps, and access marine and environmental information for Trinidad and Tobago.
• Beyond the Blue (Radio Broadcast) Radio broadcast series sponsored by Republic Bank Limited's Power-to-Make-A-Difference Initiative, covering marine environmental topics including mariculture, marine pollution, and the fishing industry for public education and outreach.
• seaiTT Mobile Application Marine education mobile application developed by the Institute of Marine Affairs to educate users about marine environments, beaches, bays, and conservation in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Marine Education Centre Educational program offering resources about beaches, bays, marine life, and seashore organisms of Trinidad and Tobago, including content on Red Mangrove, Fat Pork, Seagrapes, and Indian Almond Tree, plus community symposiums.
• MARIN Tobago Restoration Project Marine restoration project focused on coral reef and seagrass bed restoration within the Buccoo Reef - Bon Accord Lagoon Marine Protected Area and UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in Tobago, funded by a US$1 million bp Trinidad and Tobago grant.
• LionfishTT Project Project focused on managing and controlling the invasive lionfish species in Trinidad and Tobago waters to protect native marine ecosystems.
• Biodiversity and Ecology Research Programme Fundamental and applied research on wetlands (mangroves and seagrasses), coral reefs, and benthic communities for government agencies, academia, and conservation stakeholders.
• Environmental Quality Research Programme Research to determine water, sediment, and biota quality in coastal and marine environments for environmental monitoring and policy advisory.
• Fisheries and Aquaculture Research Programme Fisheries research focusing on age and growth studies and mariculture initiatives for sustainable fisheries management, serving government agencies and the fishing industry.
• Oceanography and Coastal Processes Research Programme Research in oceanography and hydrography, sedimentology, and coastal processes for coastal zone management and climate adaptation.
• Report a Marine Incident Service Community reporting service for marine incidents including fish kills, oil spills, and marine mammal strandings, with a 24-hour hotline for the public to report events affecting coastal and marine environments.
• Coral Reefs of Trinidad and Tobago (Second Edition Book) 200-page full-colour publication by Dr. Anjani Ganase covering the ecology, biology, distribution, status, and threats of coral reefs of Tobago and Trinidad, with proceeds supporting the Marine Education Programme.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 45 years of continuous marine research and data collection
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Republic Bank Limited (RBL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 September 2025Republic Bank Limited partnered with IMA through its Power-to-Make-A-Difference Initiative for the Blue Technologies Awareness Project to advance the Blue Economy. The partnership was formalized with a ceremonial signing on September 30, 2025, featuring a high-level seminar themed 'Ocean-Based...' to promote ocean sustainability awareness.
• Inversiones GAMMA S.A. (Cuba)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 October 2023MOU signed for technical cooperation in coastal engineering, water resource management, sediment analysis, integrated coastal zone management, beach rehabilitation, ecosystem restoration, hazard management, and environmental assessments. The partnership runs until October 11, 2033. GAMMA is a Cuban government entity reporting to the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment.
• SECORE InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSECORE International is an implementing partner under the MARIN Tobago project. The organization is a leading developer of methods and technologies for large-scale coral restoration, integrating science and innovative technology to implement coral restoration efforts in Tobago's marine ecosystems.
• Ministry of Planning and DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMA serves as Political Partner for the Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea (PROMAR) Project, implemented in the Latin American and Caribbean region. The project aims to reduce single-use packaging waste from terrestrial sources entering the Caribbean Sea through policies, legislation, and institutional capacity building for plastic waste management.
• National Gas Company (NGC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on a landmark project to rehabilitate mangrove forests in the Couva/Point Lisas area, led by former NGC President Mark Loquan. The partnership includes community engagement, beach clean-ups, and ongoing community school awareness and outreach campaigns for mangrove conservation.
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMA serves as the designated Regional Activity Centre (RAC) for the Land-Based Sources of Marine Pollution (LBS) Protocol of the Cartagena Convention for English-Speaking Caribbean countries. UNEP coordinates the Regional Nutrient Reduction Strategy and Action Plan with the RACs.
• United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator TeamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMA participated in the national conference 'Charting a Blue Future: Trinidad and Tobago's Road to the 2025 UN Ocean Conference' co-hosted by the Embassy of France and UN Resident Country Team, contributing to national roadmap for ocean protection and sustainable use.
• Tobago House of AssemblycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMA works with the Tobago House of Assembly through the MARIN Tobago project for coral reef and seagrass restoration within Tobago's marine protected areas, with support from the Division of Food Security and Department of Marine Resources.
• Republic Bank Limited (sponsor)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRepublic Bank's Power-to-Make-A-Difference Programme sponsors the 'Beyond the Blue' radio broadcast series, a marine education outreach program produced by IMA.
• Embassy of France in Trinidad and TobagominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of the 'Charting a Blue Future: Trinidad and Tobago's Road to the 2025 UN Ocean Conference' national conference supporting ocean policy development.
• Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoRTT collaborates with IDB through IMA to pilot the Blue Carbon Credit Scheme, leveraging carbon stored in marine assets to finance conservation and generate revenue for blue economy endeavors.
• Korea-Caribbean PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMA led the Caribbean charge at the 15th High-Level Forum of the Korea-Caribbean Partnership on ocean resilience and sustainable development under the theme advancing Blue Economy partnerships and global ocean sustainability.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM): CRFM is a CARICOM regional fisheries body coordinating fisheries management across Caribbean states — overlaps with IMA's Fisheries and Aquaculture programme and shares the same Caribbean geographic footprint.
• Centre for Marine Sciences, University of the West Indies: UWI's Centre for Marine Sciences is a Caribbean academic marine research unit that complements IMA's work in coral reef, biodiversity, and fisheries research across the region.

Broad incumbents

• National Oceanography Centre (NOC): NOC is a larger UK national marine science institution covering oceanography, technology, and coastal processes — overlapping with IMA's Oceanography & Coastal Processes and Geomatics programmes but at substantially greater scale.
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): NOAA is the dominant US federal ocean and atmospheric agency with overlapping mandates in marine environmental monitoring, fisheries, and oceanography — far larger and broader than IMA.
• Scripps Institution of Oceanography: Scripps is a large, established US oceanographic research institution with overlapping programmes in marine biodiversity, oceanography, and coastal processes; serves a far broader mandate and scale than IMA.

Emerging players

• SECORE International: SECORE is a non-profit coral restoration science and technology organization that works as IMA's implementing partner on MARIN Tobago — overlapping in coral reef restoration methodology.

Others

• Schmidt Ocean Institute: Schmidt Ocean Institute funds ocean research, technology, and open data sharing — thematically adjacent to IMA's Marine Data Hub and research mission as a private foundation enabling similar marine science work.
• Waitt Institute / Blue Prosperity Coalition: Blue Prosperity Coalition partners with governments on marine spatial planning and blue economy development — adjacent to IMA's marine governance, coastal management, and blue carbon work in Caribbean SIDS.

Direct peers

• Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS): AIMS is a national tropical marine research agency of comparable size and mandate, conducting multi-disciplinary marine science for sustainable management of coastal and marine areas — directly parallel to IMA's role for Trinidad and Tobago.
• Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS): BIOS is a small island-based marine research institute focused on ocean science, education, and policy, with comparable scope, headcount, and stakeholder mix to IMA.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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• Instagraminstagram.com/IMAgovTT
• TikToktiktok.com/@imagovtt

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Institute of Marine Affairs