The objectives of this area of research are to quantify overfishing, promote the sustainable use of biological resources in seas and oceans and produce better knowledge on the state of fish stocks, both in terms of fishing pressure and their abundance at sea. These objectives are pursued by studying the population structure, connectivity and distribution of fishing resources, making more accurate stock status assessments, developing methods to simulate the effects of different management measures (for example, the identification and mapping of Essential Fish Habitats), acquiring greater knowledge on the biology and ecology of the exploited species, and integrating traditional methodologies (direct observations, population dynamics analysis, acoustic surveys) with innovative methodologies (–omics and DNA-based). To reconcile the use and conservation of species and habitats, without compromising the goods and services provided by marine ecosystems, the research is also oriented towards the evaluation of the dynamics of multi-specific stocks, the spatial management of multi-specific fisheries, to Marine Protected Areas (MPA) and Fishery Restricted Areas (FRA) to understand the benefits deriving from protection and conservation activities, to the definition of management units based on ecosystem production processes (biological productivity and socio-economic profits), and to the study of the impacts of fishiery on non-target species and ecosystems, including the direct and indirect impact of certain types of fishing on the seabed, on their complexity and on the benthic biota.
To provide national and EU administrations, as well as regional-level fisheries management bodies such as the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT), with scientific data and appropriate tools to undertake programming interventions and adopt management measures in line with the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
The TartaLife project, coordinated by CNR IRBIM and conducted in close collaboration with fishermen, aims to reduce fishing-induced sea turtle Caretta caretta mortality through the dissemination of innovative technical solutions, training of fishermen and the strengthening of Recovery/First Aid facilities.
The LIFE ELIFE project aims to improve the conservation of elasmobranch species (sharks and rays) by promoting better conservation practices in the context of professional fishing in the Mediterranean Sea, through the implementation of pilot and demonstration actions in several Italian ports.
Provide the Regional Administration and operators in the sector with technical-scientific information for a rational and sustainable management of clam fishing with hydraulic dredges.
The research activities of the Institute are carried out in the context of research, development and innovation projects, both national and international, based on regional funding programs (POR FEAMPA - Regional Operational Program of the European Maritime Affairs Fisheries Fund and Aquaculture and POR FESR - Regional Operational Program of the European Regional Development Fund) or ministerial (PRIN - Projects of relevant national interest, PNRA - National Research Program in Antarctica, PO FEAMPA - National Operational Program European Maritime Affairs Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund) , programs for European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg), direct funding programs of the European Commission (Horizon2020 and Horizon Europe, Life, JPI - Joint Programming Initiatives, ERA-NET Cofund) and thematic collaboration initiatives managed by international organizations such as, for example , the FAO - GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean). The Institute also develops funded projects in the context of collaborations with private companies in the sectors of the blue economy as well as technology transfer and research results. Research projects, mainly of a collaborative nature, are developed through a wide network of partners that include major Italian and foreign research institutions and universities.
