Activities and research programmes of the division are aimed at conducting research in the fields of fishing craft and gear materials, fishing gear technology, materials protection and pollution in coastal aquaculture environment, upgrade and maintain expertise within these fields and to disseminate proven technologies and expertise through publications, training and consultancy.

The Fishing Technology Division strives to address the following major issues facing the fishing industry today:

• Development of boat designs for different fishery
• Long-term sustainability of the fishery resources
• Protection of biodiversity
• Environmental safety
• Energy conservation in fish harvesting
• Fishery legislation
• By-catch, discards and protection of endangered species
• Fishery enhancement

The Division activities are geared to promote the use and development of fishing gear and practices in accordance with the guidelines in the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, focusing on the following:

• Selective fishing gear and practices
• Bycatch reduction technologies
• Environment-friendly fish harvesting systems
• Energy conservation in fish harvesting systems
• Enhancement of resources and restoration of fishing grounds