CIRI FRAME/Research Group in Ecology and Conservation of Aquatic, Coastal and Marine Environments (CoastEcol)
GEA Laboratory – Ecological Genetics Laboratory
Laboratory of Benthic Ecology
Ecotoxicology Laboratory
Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences – BiGeA
The CoastEcol research group explores how natural processes and human activities shape the structure and functions of aquatic, marine and coastal ecosystems. The aim is to turn scientific knowledge into practical tools that support environmental management, safeguard biodiversity and guide public policy decisions.
The group’s research focuses in particular on the resistance and resilience of benthic communities in the face of pressures such as coastal urbanisation, port infrastructure, coastal defence works and climate change. At the same time, research explores the relationships between organisms and their role in maintaining the balance and functioning of aquatic, marine and coastal ecosystems.
To address these challenges, CoastEcol combines diverse approaches. They range from field ecology to laboratory ecotoxicology experiments, through to the use of molecular techniques and advanced analyses, such as population genetics and genomics, environmental DNA, metabarcoding and 3D tomography.
MAIN RESEARCH PROJECTS
- LIFE NatuReef
- Horizon Europe OCEAN CITIZEN
- Italy-Vietnam Bilateral Project VIBRANT
- Monitoring of non‑native species along the Candiano Canal
The project featured active outreach initiatives designed to involve the public and heighten their awareness of the importance of conserving coastal marine biodiversity.
