Working groups

WG Marine biodiversity

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The marine biodiversity lab is involved in the research of benthic flora and fauna, fish assemblage, mapping and assessment of the status of benthic habitat types, ecology of bioconstructors and non-indigenous species. Our working methods are a combination of traditional benthic sampling techniques and newly developed non-destructive SCUBA techniques. To assess the status of the sea according to WFD and MSFD, we are also developing new methodologies for some biological elements. Special interest is paid to the conservation of endangered marine species, with the identification of the causes for the regression of important habitat-builders. Particular attention is given to the development and testing of restoration actions, focused on the recolonization of vulnerable bioconstructors (such as corals, noble pen shell, brown algae and seagrasses). The lab includes specialists for different taxonomic groups.

WG Microorganisms and biogeochemical cycles

We study the structure and function of marine micro-organisms in the cycling of matter and in interactions with other organisms, both in natural environments and under controlled conditions. 

WG Anthropogenic impacts

The group is composed of researchers from various disciplines. They study the impacts and consequences of human activities on the marine environment, from marine pollution and the effects of climate change to responses at different levels of biological organisation.

WG Physical oceanography

Our research area is mainly physical oceanography of coastal waters. We are engaged in both experimental oceanography and modeling in coastal waters, including the exploration of the dynamics of water masses, which is based on data from operational oceanography, that is, the numerical forecasting. We are engaged in data mining of oceanographic data and combining the oceanographic knowledge with the ecological dynamics and sediment transport.

WG Physical oceanography

Our research area is mainly physical oceanography of coastal waters, sedimentology and interdisciplinary physical-biological research. We are engaged in experimental oceanography, ocean modelling, lagrangian particle tracking simulations, coupled physical-biological models and ocean sediment research. We are also involved in operational oceanography and the use of machine learning for coastal flooding forecasts.

WG Infrastructure center MBP

The Infrastructure centre MBP (IC MBP) is part of the Infrastructure programme of the National Institute of Biology. IC MBP is running since 1995 as a technological core that serves to support researchers and application activities at the Marine Biology Station in Piran.