In addition, Norwegian aquaculture is governed by a number of regulations, which set out rules regarding licence requirements, fish health and fish welfare as well as technological standards for fish farms. Its principal tasks are regulation, guidance, inspection, monitoring of resources and control. The Institute of Marine Research advises the Ministry and carries out central tasks in the investigation and monitoring of fish stocks and marine mammals, the marine and coastal environment and work on aquaculture and sea ranching. The total first-hand value decreased from NOK 14.2 billion in 2012 to NOK 12.5 billion in 2013.