Aquatic Biology
Research and experimentation activities on aquatic ecosystems to promote environmental protection, animal health, and public health within a One Health framework. Conducting ecotoxicological tests in aquatic ecosystems. The Laboratory serves as the Reference Laboratory for the Abruzzo Region in the field of professional and recreational fishing and aquaculture, as established by Regional Law No. 28 of 27 April 2017 concerning the management of fish fauna and the regulation of fishing in inland waters.
The Unit develops projects for the management and conservation of aquatic communities, including the drafting and updating of the Regional Fishery Map, and conducts epidemiological studies on native crayfish populations in cases of crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci). It also carries out stock enhancement of cephalopod and gastropod molluscs in marine environments, actively involving small-scale fishers. The Unit serves as the scientific reference body for the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policies (MIPAAF) on behalf of the Clam Management Consortium (Co.Ge.Vo.) Abruzzo, in relation to the management of natural banks of Chamelea gallina.
Another key area of activity is the detection of microplastics in water, sediment, and aquatic animal tissues, including protected species such as stranded cetaceans and sea turtles, to assess potential health and environmental risks. As the National Reference Unit for Marine Animal Strandings, the Unit investigates the causes of death in turtles, cetaceans, and other aquatic organisms through anatomopathological examinations.
Regarding water quality control, including drinking water, the Unit manages ecotoxicological early-warning systems using bioassays and biomarker development. It also implements sampling protocols for the extraction of environmental DNA (eDNA), applying innovative species identification methods. In collaboration with the Abruzzo Region, the Unit contributes to maritime spatial planning, the identification of areas suitable for aquaculture, the creation of thematic GIS maps on aquatic environments, and the analysis of satellite data.
The Unit provides technical support to law enforcement authorities in cases of suspected environmental crimes or offences against aquatic species, working closely with local institutions such as regional, provincial, and municipal authorities, port authorities, and sector stakeholders, including professional and recreational fishing associations, land reclamation consortia, and water utility companies.
Additionally, the Unit offers scientific expertise for the Regional Conference on Fishing and Aquaculture (Regional Law No. 22/2004) and the Advisory Committee on Recreational Fishing.
The Unit also actively engages in scientific dissemination by organising educational activities in schools and establishing partnerships with universities for doctoral research programmes and specialist dissertations across its key areas of expertise.
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Giacomo Migliorati
Head
Born in Sant’Omero (province of Teramo) in 1956, Giacomo Migliorati earned his degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Bologna in 1982, followed by a postgraduate specialisation at the University of Parma. He began his professional career in 1983 with a research fellowship at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise (IZSAM), where he became a veterinary assistant in 1990.
Born in Sant’Omero (province of Teramo) in 1956, Giacomo Migliorati earned his degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Bologna in 1982, followed by a postgraduate specialisation at the University of Parma. He began his professional career in 1983 with a research fellowship at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise (IZSAM), where he became a veterinary assistant in 1990.
He has taught Inspection of Food of Animal Origin at the postgraduate school of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Teramo, as well as at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University of L’Aquila. In 1994, he was appointed Head of the Laboratory for Food of Animal Origin at IZSAM.
His career has consistently focused on food safety, including training in the United States at the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In 2001, he joined the executive team of IZSAM.
Over the years, as an expert and delegate of the Italian Ministry of Health, he has taken part in numerous European and international meetings on food contaminants, dioxins, and meat exports to the United States.
From 7 July to 2 August 2012, he served as Acting Director General, and from 26 September 2012 to 3 July 2014, he held the position of Chief Veterinary Officer of IZSAM. In February 2020, he was reappointed as Chief Veterinary Officer of the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise.
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