Ireland's marine research community includes a wide range of stakeholders such as:
- Researchers who are engaged directly in marine or marine-related research
- Beneficiaries of marine research outputs (e.g. industry and policy makers)
- Education and training providers
- Funders of marine R&D
In developing Sea Change, the Marine Institute carried out a survey of marine research capacity and capability. Based on this survey, it was estimated that 500 researchers in higher education institutions (HEIs) were actively involved in marine and marine-related research. In addition to researchers in HEIs, a number of state bodies also carry out and provide supports for marine R&D. Finally, a number of companies are actively involved in marine research and innovation activities.