The Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) is a non-profit organization located on the Gambelas campus of the University of Algarve and dedicated to R&D in the Marine Sciences. On the basis of international evaluation and excellence ranking it was awarded the status of Associate Laboratory together with CIIMAR (Interdisciplinary Centre for Marine and Environmental Research). It has 200 people on its staff, 80 of which hold a PhD degree. CCMAR fields of expertise cover molecular biology, genetics, endocrinology, biophysics, organic chemistry and ecology of marine organisms. R&D and training activities have been applied to the development of aquaculture, biotechnology and environmental technologies for the study and management of marine resources and ecosystems. The main funding sources have been the Foundation for Science and Technology, the European Commission, FEDER, the Innovation Agency, S.A., public agencies and private companies, generating 550 peer-reviewed papers in SCI-indexed journals in the last 5 years. CCMAR plays an active role in the dissemination of marine sciences and best practices in schools as well as fish- and shellfish-dependent local communities with more than 200 seminars, workshops, meetings and courses as well as participation in science and R&D fairs. CCMAR features well equipped facilities for investigating marine biological systems at various levels, from biochemistry and molecular biology through genetics, physiology, behavior, ecology and oceanography. Easy access to the unique and extensive mudflats and ponds of Ria Formosa and coastal areas facilitate in situ studies. The Ramalhete Marine Station is a versatile infrastructure with tanks to keep to keep live organisms and outdoor mesocosms. CCMAR serves as infrastructure for students and scientists from universities and institutes throughout Europe and is part of European initiatives providing user access to special facilities and biological models such as Assemble and EMBRC.