Research conducted within the Fisheries Technology Laboratory is aimed at the study, testing and development of innovative fishing equipment. Specifically, the main activities include:
– study of major fishing gears to improve their selectivity in terms of species and size, increase their energy efficiency and reduce their environmental impact.
– Experimentation and development of BRDs – Bycatch Reduction Devices for reducing bycatch of protected species (sea turtles, bony and cartilaginous fish, marine mammals, etc.).
– determination of mechanical properties of textile fishing materials.
– measurement and modeling of the engineering performance of fishing gear, with emphasis on monitoring and optimizing the performance of trawl gear.
– technology training and support activities for the Coast Guard Corps in fisheries control.
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.
