In 2003, under Law 2919/2001, the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) was established, through the integration of the National Centre for Marine Research (NCMR) and the Institute of Marine Biology of Crete (IMBC). HCMR consists of the following Institutes : • Institute of Oceanography (IO) • Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC) • Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters (IMBRIW) HCMR is a unique governmental research organization at the heart of scientific and technological research of the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Red Sea. HCMR owns and operates aquariums in Crete and Rhodes islands with more than 500,000 visitors per year. HCMR’s aquariums provide unique experiential events and educational opportunities advancing people’s knowledge for sustainable management of the Seas. HCMR participates and plays a key role in the establishment of large-scale European research infrastructures.