Read the passage below carefully and answer the question that follows:
The Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), established in Lagos in 1975, was mandated to conduct scientific investigations into the marine resources and brackish water environments of Nigeria's coastal waters. Originally operating under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, the institute expanded its operational scope in 1988 to include deep-sea fisheries stock assessment and coastal erosion monitoring. While oceanographic data collection previously relied on rented commercial trawlers, NIOMR acquired its first dedicated research vessel, the MV Sarkin Baka, in 1992 through a bilateral agreement. This acquisition enabled continuous year-round sampling beyond the continental shelf, though funding constraints in 2004 temporarily restricted vessel operations to estuarine zones.
According to the passage, what specific development enabled NIOMR to conduct continuous year-round sampling beyond the continental shelf?
- The acquisition of its first dedicated research vessel in 1992Cevap
- BThe expansion of its research mandate under the Federal Ministry in 1988
- CThe continuous allocation of bilateral funding during the 2004 budget crisis
- DThe deployment of rented commercial trawlers beyond coastal waters