Institute for Marine Biology has a long research tradition of almost 50 years (it is funded in 1961.). Main objective is research of the South Adriatic area, with special focus on Montenegrin coast; protection and maintenance of biodiversity, valorisation and sustainable management of marine resources (marine fisheries and mariculture).

It is engaged in different types of research, such as that of flora and fauna, protection of biodiversity, protection from marine pollution and making list of pollutant hot-spots, proposition for ecosystems protection, biomass estimation of living economically important marine resources (fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, shells). These imply: control of water, sediments and marine biota quality, systematic and ecology of marine species (phytoplankton, zooplankton, phytobenthos, zoobenthos, microbiology, ichthyology) and mariculture.

Institute for Marine Biology consists of the following laboratories:

1. General biology and protection of the sea;

2. Chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology;

3. Development center and mariculture;

4. Ichthyology and marine fisheries;

5. Neurobiology and ecophysiology.

Besides scientific-research activities, the Institute has also a role in education through mentoring of young researchers working on their PhD Thesis. Currently, there are 12 PhD students supported within the Institute, which provides significant research human resources basis, necessary for future development and growth of the Institute. Institute is a part of the University of Montenegro, therefore, basic funding is provided from the University resources. Other types of funding are provided through national and international projects and cooperation. Institute activities are exclusively scientific research for the needs of Governmental Institutions (Government of Montenegro, Ministry of education and science, Ministry of ecology, Ministry of agriculture, forestry and water management and Academy of science).