The structure
The Experimental Station for the Study of Marine Resources is the operational headquarters of the COISPA Foundation.
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It is located near the marina of Torre a Mare – Bari, at Via Dei Trulli 18/20. The Experimental Station houses offices, laboratories, and facilities for the experimental rearing of marine and freshwater fish species.
Laboratory of Ichthyology and Marine Ecology (LIME)
In order to provide valuable insights into the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of resources, the Laboratory of Ichthyology and Marine Ecology conducts research activities related to the taxonomy, biology, and ecology of bony and cartilaginous fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. This includes studies on age determination, growth, condition, reproduction, life cycles, and trophic ecology of various species within the major taxonomic groups. Additionally, the laboratory conducts research on fish communities and benthic communities associated with hard and soft substrates.
Modeling Laboratory (MOL)
The Modeling Laboratory is involved in the application and development of various models, including population dynamics models, analytical and production models, integrated ecosystem models, bio-economic models, spatial models (e.g., GIS) and geostatistics, regression models (e.g., generalized linear models - GLM, generalized additive models - GAM), multivariate models, models for evaluating alternatives with multiple criteria (e.g., preference modeling, multicriteria analysis), and specific indicators at the level of fish populations and communities (abundance, diversity). The main purposes are to estimate the demographic development of fish populations under different exploitation and environmental conditions, evaluate whether fishing extraction rates are appropriate for the renewal capacity of fishery resources, considering their intrinsic characteristics and interactions at the level of fish communities and the ecosystem, assess the ecological and socio-economic impact of different management alternatives for fishery resources, and incorporate conservation measures and stakeholder perspectives into the development of management plans. Key aspects of fundamental knowledge are obtained through direct sampling at sea, scientific survey campaigns, and indirect information from various sectors of the productive industry.
Experimental Aquaculture Laboratory (EAL)
The Experimental Aquaculture Laboratory conducts research into developing models for sustainable aquaculture, organic aquaculture and for the conservation of endangered aquatic organisms. It develops methodological protocols and good rearing practices for sustainable aquaculture and production certification. The laboratory also monitors the eco-physiological responses of fish species to stress factors in aquaculture. This includes assessing the impact of environmentally friendly diets on production performance, as well as the health and welfare of the animals.
The rearing facilities comprise a variety of tanks ranging in size from 150 to 15,000 liters, featuring both open and recirculating systems. The rearing facilities have obtained authorization from the Ministry of Health to operate as an "Establishment using animals for experimental and scientific purposes" in accordance with Legislative Decree 26/2014. COISPA has also established a body responsible for monitoring the welfare of animals, tasked with providing technical-scientific and ethical opinions on research projects involving animals and ensuring the proper implementation of research programs.
Laboratory of Energy Metabolism and Telemetry (EMTEL)
The Laboratory of Energy Metabolism and Telemetry conducts research activities that are closely integrated with the activities of the Experimental Aquaculture Laboratory. The research focuses on the behavior, both in natural environments and under aquaculture conditions, and the energy consumption of fish in relation to specific ecological, morphological, and physiological characteristics. The physiological mechanisms of response and adaptation of organisms to rearing conditions and the environment are studied. In particular, the laboratory studies behavior and hierarchical relationships and analyzes swimming performance, muscle activity, oxygen consumption, and both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. Swim tests are conducted in swim chambers and respirometers of various capacities. Muscle electrical activity (EMG) is measured using sensors that are implanted directly into red and white muscles. The real-time activity of fish raised in onshore facilities or sea cages is monitored using a wireless communication system integrated with a set of sensors. Physiological indicators are then integrated with biological and biochemical indicators using a multidimensional approach.
