CFER fulfills its mandate within four primary areas:

1) Conducting Fisheries Ecosystem Science

CFER will add to the fisheries research capacity in Newfoundland and Labrador and will work with government agencies and others who share the goals of CFER, including various researchers at Memorial University.

2) Increasing Research Capacity

CFER's specialized researchers - finfish, pelagic, crustacean and fisheries acoustics science and management - will help gather more information and scientific support for ecosystem-based and precautionary approaches to fisheries management. CFER provides opportunities for fisheries scientists to work in our province and allows research opportunities to more than 20 fisheries science graduate students annually.

3) Increasing Access to Inshore and Offshore Research Vessels

CFER has the RV Gecho II, its own inshore research vessel, and has charter access to the RV Celtic Explorer, a world-class offshore research vessel. These crafts enable major fisheries surveys and provide opportunities for research and training both within CFER and with academia and government.

4) Collaborating with National and International Fisheries Scientists

CFER collaborates with Canadian fisheries scientists and creates linkages and partnerships with researchers from around the world.