The Marine Biology Laboratory is equipped with a chemical hood, seven stereomicroscopes, an optical microscope and an analytical balance. There are also two imaging systems connected to the optical microscope and one of the stereomicroscopes. The activities carried out are mainly related to the analysis of mobile and hard bottom macrozoobenthic communities. Specifically, sorting and identification analyses are carried out within the laboratory at the lowest possible taxonomic level of benthic organisms isolated during oceanographic campaigns, using the most up-to-date dichotomous keys. The data obtained are used to define the structure and changes in macrozoobenthic communities, including through the use of bioindicators to assess the environmental status of marine ecosystems. These activities are applied to research projects dedicated to the study of anthropogenic impacts resulting from activities such as the handling and spilling of sediment from port dredging, the installation of anthropogenic structures (offshore platforms, submarine pipelines) and artificial barriers. Taxonomic analysis of benthic communities is also used for the reporting and description of new species, identification of alien species, and functional study of the benthic community.
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.
