This programme conducts research and environmental monitoring of rivers, wetlands, estuary and coastal areas. It focuses on the sustainable management of water systems, fishing and aquaculture resources as well as the conservation of protected species, biodiversity, the restoration of natural areas and management actions against invasive species.
It also studies the effects of human pollution and natural hazards including toxic phytoplankton and associated toxins in shellfish harvesting areas, relating water quality and the food safety of seafood. Particular emphasis is dedicated to the development of methods, including instrumental analysis, biochemical assays, biosensors and cell-based assays, for the detection of microalgae, pathogens, toxins, other natural compounds and contaminants.
The programme also targets the study of the impact of climate change on Mediterranean coastal and continental aquatic ecosystems, including food safety, and the implementation of mitigation measures.
- Head: Jorge Diògene
- Researchers: 12
- Support staff: 14
- Work center: IRTA la Ràpita
Relevant scientific publications:
Carella, F., Aceto, S., Pollaro, F., Miccio, A., Iaria, C., & Carrasco, N. et al. (2019). A mycobacterial disease is associated with the silent mass mortality of the pen shell Pinna nobilis along the Tyrrhenian coastline of Italy. Scientific Reports, 9(1). doi:10.1038/s41598-018-37217-y http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12327/423
Belmar, O., Ibáñez, C., Forner, A., & Caiola, N. (2019). The Influence of Flow Regime on Ecological Quality, Bird Diversity, and Shellfish Fisheries in a Lowland Mediterranean River and Its Coastal Area. Water, 11(5), 918. doi:10.3390/w11050918 http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12327/408
