The ARSEPD coordinates the conduct of socio-economic and policy studies in fisheries and aquatic resources. Outputs of the socio-economic and policy R&D programs will serve as baseline information to be used in coming up with appropriate strategic plans for sustainable management and conservation of aquatic resources.

In line with the role of PCAMRD for policy advocacy, the division initiates the conduct of seminars, roundtable discussions, public fora and workshops to highlight and promote public awareness on aquatic resources issues. The division also takes the lead in the preparation of policy papers in fisheries and aquatic resources issues. The division also takes the lead in the preparation of policy papers in fisheries and aquatic resources with the ultimate aim of establishing linkage with the "mainstream" of policy making to be able to create a more conducive policy environment.

The RIUD serves as the communication arm of the Council and operates the Aquatic Resources Information Service and Fisherfolk Information Center. It disseminates information at the national fisheries and aquatic resources R&D programs through publications, audio-visual productions and tri-media releases. It also packages technology information for the conduct of technology transfer programs through the DOST Technology Training Center, and services a library and databank information system on fisheries and aquatic resource R&D abstracts in coordination with the other technical divisions and collaborating institutions on the NARRDS.

Through the assistance of the International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management (ICLARM) now known as The World Fish Center, the RIUD Computer Literature Sercive (CLS) has the Fishbase contains the key data on the biology of all important fishes, and annonated list of introductions.

The CLS also has about a hundred abstracts on fisheries studies/researches made available through a software called the CDS-ISIS.