Marine Ecology

The research activities are focused on analysing ecosystem functioning with a particular emphasis on marine ecosystems, but also considering terrestrial environments, since recently we have started to look into soil biological quality assessment. The main research lines are:

  • Implementation of the Ecosystem Based Approach to the fisheries management, aiming to reduce the unsustainability related to the fishing activities. We identify management strategies for reducing fishing impacts through the co-creation approach, the engagement of both fishers and final consumers, and the use of labelling and certification.
  • Analysis of the nektonic community, both in lagoon and coastal areas, through the use of active acoustics method (scientific echosounders); assessment of the sea-lagoon exchanges in terms of biological material, and the effects of the possible reduction of connectivity as a result of the mobile barrier flood-defence system (MOSE) becoming operational at the lagoon inlets;
  • Ecosystem Services assessment, in aquatic and terrestrial environments, for describing and quantifying human society dependence on Nature. Particular attention is paid to the creation of scenarios to test the outcomes of different management choices.

The lab is also involved in research about the affiliation with Nature (according to the Biophilia concept by E.O. Wilson) and its possible applications within the context of outdoor education in primary schools.

Research group

Members:

Collaborators:

  • Marco Anelli Monti
  • Alberto Caccin
  • Pietro Gorgosalice
  • Silvia Rova
  • Emma Schena
  • Alice Stocco

Collaborations

Publications

Equipment

  • Scientific Echosounder
  • Acoustic Video Camera

Research projects