Founded in 1940, VIMS is unique among marine science institutions in its legal mandate to provide research, education, and advisory services to government, citizens, and industry.

Funding for VIMS comes from the Commonwealth of Virginia, grants and contracts from federal and state agencies, and private giving.

"[3] VIMS provides research, education, and advisory services in marine science to Virginia, the nation, and the world.

VIMS' Eastern Shore Laboratory, established in 1962 in the seaside village of Wachapreague, jumpstarted Virginia's large hard-clam industry.

and Ph.D. degrees are offered in four major areas: In addition to specialized facilities at the Eastern Shore Laboratory and Kaufman Aquaculture Center, the main campus includes: VIMS owns and operates a fleet of 40 research vessels, including many specialized for research in Chesapeake Bay and other coastal areas.