The Unit carries out research projects and experimental activities at regional, national and European level aimed at improving the management and conservation of aquatic communities, both marine and freshwater, across the Mediterranean basin. This includes the development of innovative tools and methodologies for assessing the health status of aquatic animals and ecosystems.

It responds to mass mortality events and strandings of aquatic fauna, conducting investigations to determine the causes of death. In this context, the Unit serves as the Institute’s reference for the “Abruzzo Regional Network for the Management of Marine Mammal and Reptile Strandings” (DG21/167 of 31/12/2014), for the “National Reference Centre for Diagnostic Investigations on Stranded Marine Mammals (C.Re.Di.Ma.)”, and for the “National Reference Centre for the Study and Diagnosis of Diseases in Fish, Molluscs and Crustaceans”. In the latter case, the Unit also takes part in interlaboratory circuits.

The Unit designs and conducts environmental sampling, working closely with local stakeholders to respond to emergencies and monitor the presence of pathogens, invasive species, toxins and xenobiotics — including emerging ones — in the environment and aquatic biota. It also applies sampling protocols for the extraction of environmental DNA (eDNA) to identify aquatic species using innovative methods.

It carries out the detection of microplastics in water, sediments and aquatic animals, including species intended for human consumption or of conservation interest, in order to assess potential health and environmental risks.

In the field of ecotoxicology, the Unit studies and applies innovative bioindicators for aquatic environments and implements continuous (24/7) water monitoring programmes — in marine, freshwater and drinking water systems — using early-warning systems based on sentinel organisms to assess water quality.

It is the designated reference laboratory for the Abruzzo Region in matters related to professional and recreational fisheries and aquaculture, as established by Regional Law No. 28 of 27 April 2017 on fish fauna management and regulation of inland waters fishing. Within this framework, it is responsible for drafting and updating the Regional Fisheries Map, and supports fish population management through restocking and removals in regional rivers. It also provides technical support for the management of the “Experimental Fish Farming and Hydrobiology Centre (CISI)” of the Abruzzo Region and contributes to the prevention and control of invasive alien species under Legislative Decree No. 230 of 15 December 2017.

In collaboration with the Abruzzo Region, the Unit is involved in maritime spatial planning, management of areas suitable for aquaculture in marine and freshwater ecosystems, development of water-related thematic GIS systems, and the processing of satellite data. It also conducts studies to support small-scale fishing of cephalopod and gastropod molluscs, actively involving stakeholders in the sector.

The Unit is the scientific reference body for the Abruzzo Clam Management Consortium (Co.Ge.Vo.) in the management of natural banks of Chamelea gallina.

Furthermore, it provides scientific support to the Regional Fisheries and Aquaculture Conference (Regional Law 5/8/2004, No. 22) and the Advisory Committee on Recreational Fishing of the Abruzzo Region. It also offers technical assistance to judicial authorities in suspected environmental or aquatic species-related offences and works in close collaboration with regional and local authorities — such as Regions, Provinces, Municipalities, Harbour Offices — and with stakeholders, including professional and recreational fishing associations, land reclamation consortia, and water utilities.

Its strong commitment to scientific outreach is reflected in educational activities in schools and partnerships with universities and research institutions for internships, PhDs, and specialised theses across its areas of expertise.