The open-circuit tank system is located in a state-owned lot under concession to the IRBIM CNR of Lesina (FG), located near the lagoon in the Cammarata locality (41°51’55.09 “N; 15°21’43.75 “E;) The system consists of 5 rectangular-shaped tanks with an area of approx. 100 m2 each and a depth of approx. 1.5 m. The tanks are waterproofed by polyethylene sheets, which also cover the outer edges and walkways between tanks. Water recirculation is of the open circuit type, directly connected to the lagoon by means of a hydraulic system kept active by a submersible electric pump (mod. Wilo-Emu FA). The electric pump draws water from the lagoon continuously (24h/24h) and by means of a semi-submerged pipe transports a maximum of 147.6 m3 of water per hour, providing the system with at least 6 water changes per day. A wire mesh fence was constructed to protect the submersible electric pump in order to prevent algae or large debris from clogging the system. Water changes and balance within the system are regulated by taps, which as needed ensure proper water flow.
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.
