The Stazione Sperimentale per lo Studio delle Risorse del Mare is the operational HQ of COISPA.
It is located near the marina of Torre a Mare - Bari, via Dei Trulli 18/20. The Stazione Sperimentale houses: offices, laboratories and facilities for the experimental aquaculture.
Laboratory of Ichthyology and Marine Ecology (LIME)
The Laboratory of Ichthyology and Marine Ecology carries out research activities on taxonomy, biology and ecology of bony and cartilaginous fish, shellfish and crustaceans. These researches are aimed at providing indications for the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of living resources. Notably, studies are carried out on age determination, growth, individual condition, reproduction, life cycle and trophic ecology of various species of the main taxonomic groups. Also studies on fish communities and benthic communities associated with different substrates.
Modelling Laboratory (MOL)
The Modelling Laboratory focuses on the application and development of models of population dynamics, analytical and production models, ecosystem models, bio-economic models, geostatistics and spatial models (e.g. GIS) , regression models (e.g. generalized linear models - GLM, generalized additive models - GAM), preference modelling (e.g. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis - MCDA), population-specific and fish communities (abundance, diversity) indicators.
The core activities of the laboratory are:
- The estimation of the demographic dynamic of fish populations under different exploitation and environmental conditions.
- The evaluation of the better trade-off between catch rate and the renewal rate of fishery resources.
- The estimation of the ecological and socio-economic impact of different management strategies.
- The integration of conservation measures and stakeholder views into management plans.
Key aspects of basic knowledge are obtained through direct methods (e.g. scientific surveys) and through indirect methods (e.g. catch surveys).
Experimental Aquaculture Laboratory (EAL)
The core objectives of the Experimental Aquaculture Laboratory are the progress of sustainable aquaculture models, organic aquaculture and the conservation of aquatic organisms at risk.
The laboratory carries out research activities to:
develop protocols and good farming practices for sustainable aquaculture and outline rules and procedures for carrying out process and product certifications;
monitor and assess eco-physiological responses to fish stress factors in different housing conditions;
monitor the effects of eco-friendly diets on the growth performance, health and welfare of fish.
The rearing facilities include tanks ranging from 150 to 15,000 liters, in open flow and recirculation systems. The rearing facilities comply with the EU regulations for animal experimentation and have been authorized by the Italian Ministry of Health to operate as a "Animal farm for experimental and scientific purposes" pursuant to D. Lgs 26/2014.
Energetic Metabolism and Telemetry Laboratory (EMTEL)
The research activities carried out at the Energetic Metabolism and Telemetry Laboratory are closely integrated with those of the EAL.
Research activities mainly regards the study of fish behaviour, in wild and captive conditions, and the study of the energetic metabolism of fish farmed in different housing conditions.
Specifically, studies are carried out on the whole physiological response and adaptation of fish to farming conditions, behaviours and hierarchical relationships, swimming performance, muscle activity, oxygen consumption and aerobic and anaerobic metabolism.
Swimming tests are carried out in swimming chambers and respirometers of different capacities. Electromyography (EMG) is measured with sensors’ implantation. The activity and performances of fish farmed in tanks or sea cages are monitored in “real time” with different types of sensors integrated into a "wireless communication system". The physiological indicators are then combined with biological and biochemical indicators, following a multidimensional approach.