The present Institute of Marine Biology was established in 1946 as the National Center of Talassographic Studies, in a building complex located on the Riva Sette Martiri, donated by Senator Pietro Canonica to the National Research Council. In 1968 it was re-organized, acquiring its present denomination. The Institute pertains to the National Committee for the Sciences and Technologies of Environment and Habitat. The purpose is continually carry out research activity in biological oceanography sciences, marine and lagoon biology both as basic and applied research to the exploitation of biological marine resources. The Institute of Marine Biology is actively involved in national (strategic plans and special projects of CNR) and international programs on oceanography, environment and aquaculture. The Institute organizes oceanographic cruises for hydrological, planktological and sedimentological researches and hosts young scientists for oon-the-job training and undergraduates working on their theses. Personnel is composed of 17 scientists, 17 technicians and 2 administrative personnel.

The Institute's activity is carried out through four divisions, each developing specific researches.



Plankton Ecology and Productivity Division.


A descriptive and biological research in the Adriatic Sea is carried out with particular reference to the nutrients and phytoplankton distribution in relation to the oceanographic conditions. Concurrently in the Venice lagoon, research in hydrology, qualitative and quantitative distribution of phytoplankton and zooplankton is made.



Benthos Ecology and Sedimentology Division.


The activity is directed to studying sedimentation processes (in particular of the organic particulate fraction) in various environments: Venice lagoon, coastal waters and open sea waters (Northern Adriatic Sea, Southern Adriatic and Ionian basin, Eastern Mediterranean Sea). Special emphasis is given to the relation- ships among horizontal and vertical fluxes of particulate matter and the physical and biological frameworks.



Environmental Biochemistry Division.


Researches concern sea and lagoon pollution; accumulations and elimination of persistent chemical pollutants (hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons and heavy metals) in marine organisms; laboratory and field studies on the biochemical and physiological effects of elements and toxic substances on marine organisms.



Aquaculture Division.


Widening the basic knowledge of biology and ecology of breeding species of fish farms or in hatcheries is the division's aim. Research is mase on reproductive cycles, genetics and feeding habits of organisms for commercial interest.



---

Facilities include equipment, laboratories, a library with some 2,500 volumes and 1,600 scientific journals, computer services, workshop and a small apartment to guest visiting scientists.

The Institute publishes the "Archivio di Oceanografia e Limnologia", initiated by the Talassographic Committee in 1941, a continuation of its forerunner "Memorie del Regio Comitato Talassografico" published since 1910.



Nautical facilities.

The Institute owns the ship , a 24.2 meter long, 82 ton oceanographic research ship, equipped with navigation, radio and echo-sounding equipment, oceanographic winches and two laboratories for a total of 14 square meters. She has a five-man crew and can accomodate seven scientists.

In addition there is "Mysis", a 7.3 meter long motor boat which becomes an oceanographic laboratory during field work.