Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems
The Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems Laboratory is a multidisciplinary unit of the IZS, bringing together expertise in Aquatic Biology, Marine Ecosystem Research, Animal Welfare, Breeding and Experimental Animal Science. It serves as a key hub for the One Health approach, which recognises the interdependence between human, animal and environmental health.
Its mission is to analyse the impact of emerging phenomena, such as climate change and invasive species, on public health, animal health and biodiversity conservation. At the same time, it maintains a constant focus on animal welfare, an ethical and scientific field in continuous evolution.
These goals are pursued through a combination of cross-sector expertise. As the Animal Welfare Body (OPBA), the Laboratory safeguards research animals and defines the specialist guidelines for institutional research.
In particular, it contributes to the recovery, examination and management of stranded marine mammals and reptiles. It also guides analytical and research activities on fish health, the hygiene of fishery products and the protection of both freshwater and marine ecosystems.
In essence, the Laboratory acts as a scientific sentinel, monitoring and protecting the integrated health of natural resources, while providing strategic and diagnostic support with a preventive outlook.
The Laboratory comprises the following Units:
- Aquatic Biology
- Marine Ecosystems and Fisheries Research Centre
- Animal Welfare
- Animal Breeding and Experimental Studies
- + - Our Research
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- + - Head
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Angelo Cameli
Responsabile
He graduated with honours in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Teramo in 2004. He went on to complete a postgraduate master’s degree in Analysis and Control of Foods Containing GMOs, a specialisation in Animal Health, Breeding and Livestock Production, and two second-level university master’s degrees in Health Management and Conservation Medicine and Health Management of Wildlife.
After working as a contracted veterinarian with the local health authorities (ASL) of Pescara and L’Aquila, he served from 2010 to 2014 as a Veterinary Specialist Officer in the Veterinary and Food Safety Service of the Abruzzo Regional Administration.
Since 2011, he has been listed in the regional register of auditors for official inspections in Veterinary Health and Food Safety.
For over ten years, he held the position of Veterinary Officer in the Animal Hygiene and Livestock Production Service of the Teramo Local Health Authority, with a senior specialisation in Wildlife Monitoring and Management. In this role, he also dealt with animal welfare in companion animals, farm animals and animals in transport, and is qualified as a Level II trainer under EC Regulation 1/2005 for animal handlers and attendants.
He contributed to the development of official monitoring plans for food safety and animal health at regional and local levels, including the Marine Bivalve Mollusc Health Surveillance Plan for the Abruzzo Region, for which he later served as the reference veterinarian for the Local Competent Authority.
Over the years, he has also carried out research and organised conferences for major national scientific societies, focusing on the conservation, ecology and distribution of amphibians, reptiles (particularly native species), fish and freshwater decapods.
Since 2025, he has been Head of the Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems Laboratory at the IZSAM. -
- + - Departments
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Aquatic Biology
Go to the UnitResearch and experimental activities on aquatic ecosystems, aimed at safeguarding the environment, animal health and public health from a ONE HEALTH perspective. Response to mass mortality events in aquatic fauna, as well as strandings of cetaceans and sea turtles. Environmental sampling and monitoring activities carried out in close cooperation with local stakeholders. Technical support for fisheries and aquaculture resources, acting as a scientific reference point for the Abruzzo Region.
Animal Breeding and Experimental Studies
Go to the UnitThe Animal Breeding and Experimental Research Unit provides technical support for activities related to basic and applied scientific research, implementing experimental procedures based on the 3Rs principles: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. The Unit collaborates with public and private institutional partners involved in both medical and veterinary research. Animal welfare principles guide all activities within the Unit, which offers its expertise to support research projects and contribute to the activities of the IZS Teramo Centres of Excellence, specifically the EU Reference Centre for the Welfare of Ruminants and Equines and the WOAH Collaborating Centre for Animal Welfare.
Animal Welfare
Go to the UnitThe primary objective of the Unit is to enhance activities in the field of animal welfare, a key element for ensuring the sustainability of livestock production and improving the management of stray animals. Additionally, the Unit aims to embed environmental sustainability and circular economy principles into its core activities, with the ambition of establishing the Institute as a reference point in these priority areas.
- + - Selected papers
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