Centre of Aquatic Biology

The Centre of Aquatic Biology of the Istituto G. Caporale performs monitoring activities in connection with the sanitation and environmental sector, and with the management and safeguarding of the fishing products of the marine and fresh water ecosystems.

The work of scientific and technological research in the fishing sector was recognized by the Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry Policies (Decree of 26 October 1999) in accordance with Article 27 of the Regulation implementing Law no. 963 of 14 July 1965, approved by Presidential   Decree no. 1057 of 9 June 1976.

A wide range of tests is carried out at the centre - chemical, bacteriological, biological, histopathological, parasitological and ecotoxicological - and inspections are carried out on the waters, the molluscs and the fish, to determine the quality of the environment, the health of the sealife and the safety of the foods which are derived from it.

The Centre also collaborates with the relevant Regional Commissions, the area Harbour Offices, the fishing and beach operators' associations and the environmental associations for the study and control of pollution of the coastal waters and, especially, the knock-on effects of eutrophication and the presence of mucilage.

Besides routine monitoring activity, the Centre of Aquatic Biology is constantly engaged in experimental work in the areas of the environment, fishing, public health and animal health.