The Biology and Population Dynamics laboratory was created with the aim of providing knowledge related to the biological cycles, growth and diet of fish species (pelagic and demersal), crustaceans, mollusks, elasmobranchs, in Mediterranean and Antarctic environments, for the protection/conservation of marine habitats and sustainable management of fishery resources. Main activity: age determination in juvenile and adult individuals using calcareous structures (otoliths, shells, vertebrae, and spines), either by direct techniques or through inclusions in resins, staining, and sectioning with cutting machines. Use of image analysis software to identify, count, and measure daily and annual growth rings. Analysis of stomach contents of commercial fish species. Reproductive biology of commercial demersal species (reproductive cycles, sex determination, gonadal maturity stages, fecundity, early maturity size, etc.).
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.
