The future of the Common Fisheries Policy depends on progress in the relevant areas of research. This applies to the whole range of management decisions, where precise, reliable and complete data are essential to inform those who must decide on the pursuit of existing activities, especially in the area of maritime fisheries and the development of promising new activities such as aquaculture. The Commission wishes to act as a catalyst by promoting the circulation of information and the co-ordination of research programmes. DG XIV has therefore decided to compile this directory, which lists the research centres of the Member States. Specific information from each research centre is also listed, for example research activities and facilities.