The Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) was created on 2 April 1999 by the Flemish Government, the Province of the West-Flanders and the Belgian National Science Foundation. It is an autonomous institution, with the legal status of a not-for-profit organisation.

VLIZ acts as a co-ordinating and information platform for marine sciences in Flanders, promoting the accumulation of knowledge and excellence in sound interdisciplinary research regarding the ocean, seas, coast and tidal estuaries. VLIZ main strategic objectives are:
- Initiate, support, promote and implement innovative and multidisciplinary marine research for the benefit of, in collaboration with or complementary to Flemish and international marine research groups.
- Promote the national and international image of Flemish marine research.
- Serve as a national and international point of contact in the field of marine research.
- Promote ocean literacy in Flanders and marine research visibility among the general public.
- Provide tailored scientific data, information, knowledge and insights to the Flemish marine research community, the blue economy and policymakers with regard to marine matters.