The Impact Assessment Research Center was originally the Aquatic Ecology Division, which is one of the 3 main divisions in FRI since its inception, apart from the Aquaculture and Capture Fisheries Division. To suit the shift in research focus, due to instructions and emphasis given at a particular time, the name of this division has been changed several times. Starting 2015, the name Impact Assessment Research Centre has been officially used in accordance with the present objective, which is to carry out R&D related to the assessment of the impact of anthropogenic or natural pollution on the fisheries sector. The center is located in IPP Batu Maung, Penang. In 2023, this center is comprised of nine (9) research officers and 19 supporting technical staff. Research funding is largely from the development funds under the Malaysia Plan, in addition to some funding from the state government and the private sector. The center also collaborates with various agencies from within and outside the country, such as UIAM, UMT, UKM, NAHRIM and USM, JIRCAS and BOBLME.