The biology laboratory is concerned with the collection, fixation and preservation of vertebrate and aquatic invertebrate specimens for morphological analysis. The research activities concern the taxonomic and ecological aspects of vertebrates (fish fauna) and aquatic invertebrates (crustaceans and bivalves) of Mediterranean transitional and marine coastal waters, with particular reference to invasive alien species, to follow their spatial and temporal evolution and impact on the environment. Additional studies covered diversification in lagoon shellfish cultivation, sustainable management of fish stocks and sustainable fisheries in transitional waters, and the development of biotechnology and innovative methodologies aimed at defining environmental quality status.
Laboratory instrumentation includes 1 Optical Microscope, 2 Stereomicroscopes, Dichotomous keys and specific monographs, Precision Scales, Freezer, Ichthyometric Table and a multi-parameter probe.
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.
