As the primary agency for fishery research in the Philippines, NFRDI is tasked with:

• Establishing a national infrastructure unit to support, oversee, and implement the diverse research needs and initiatives of the fisheries sector;
• Providing a hub for intensive training and skill-building for human resources, as well as serving as a repository for all fishery research and scientific information;
• Enhancing the economic potential of the fisheries sector through collaborative research efforts with international institutions;
• Providing training and development opportunities for the effective utilization of technology; and
• Building and expanding a nationwide network of fishery research communities through effective communication linkages.