This area of research has as its main objective to conduct fundamental research to advance knowledge on the biology and ecology of marine organisms, marine food webs, biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity. Studies include understanding the consequences of global change on marine biota and ecosystems, to understand its effects (direct and indirect) on marine ecosystems and organisms, including the expansion of alien (non-indigenous) species, also through the development of multispecific and ecosystem forecasting models. Evolutionary biology and genomics studies are also carried out.
To protect and maintain/restore the biodiversity and ecosystems of the Lesina Lagoon through management, maintenance/restoration and integrative monitoring of the NATURA 2000 site affected by fishing activities and through a participatory approach among stakeholders (policy makers, researchers, fishermen) who share responsibilities and interests on the lagoon ecosystem.
To introduce new knowledge and effective catching techniques aimed at reducing fisheries discard by reducing the impact of fishing activities on the lagoon environment.
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.
