The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) is a multi-disciplinary marine and environmental research organisation established by Act of Parliament (Chap. 37:01 of the Revised Laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, as amended by Act No. 13 of 1990). The IMA was established following negotiations for an agreement signed in 1974 between the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the United Nations, through its Executing Agency, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Institute was mandated to collect, analyse and disseminate information relating to the economic, technological, environmental, social and legal developments in marine affairs and to formulate and implement specific programmes/projects.