NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research is the National Oceanographic Institute of the Netherlands. NIOZ is part of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). NIOZ is based on the Wadden Sea island of Texel and in Yerseke in the south-western Delta area. The mission of NIOZ is to gain and communicate scientific knowledge on seas and oceans for the understanding and sustainability of our planet, and to facilitate and support marine research and education in the Netherlands and Europe. The emphasis is on innovative and independent fundamental research in continental seas and open oceans. The institute also carries out research based on societal questions when this merges well with its fundamental work. Multidisciplinary sea research is regarded as one of the main strengths of the institute. Our scientists participate in many international research projects. The institute educates PhD and other students of universities and schools for professional education. NIOZ also organises courses for PhD students and master students. A number of our senior scientists is also appointed as professor at Dutch universities. NIOZ has a large workshop where research equipment is designed and built. The ocean-going Research Vessel Pelagia is shared on a European level with other ships in the OFEG group.