Info

Basic Laboratory Activity: Marine fisheries research (benthic resources (fish, crustaceans and cephalopods) pelagic resources, small-scale (artisanal) fishing resources, ichthyoplankton, marine mammals and turtles). Population dynamics of economically important species of fish, crustaceans and cephalopods. Scientific support to development of responsible fisheries and proposing measures for sustainable use of marine resources. Proposing quotas for sustainable fishing of these resources.

Scientific work and research in the Laboratory is based on research field work, field work aboard fishing vessels, participating in international scientific expeditions, visiting fishing ports, biological assessment of catch in fisheries, inspection of fishing tools and equipment, as well as on laboratory work (processing of samples in the laboratory, measuring of all meristic and morphometric data in catch, taking otoliths and statoliths  for determining the age of fish and cephalopods, macroscopic examination of gonads and preparation of histological specimens for all species of interest to fisheries, whether pelagic, demersal (trawl) or small-scale (artisanal). Such activities are necessary for the analysis of the condition of these resources in the sea, and by examining the parameters of their population dynamics, data on their sustainable use are obtained, as they are mainly economically important species of fish, crustaceans and cephalopods. The data provide a basis for calculating the maximum annual biological level of exploitation of these species — MSY (Maximum Sustainable Yield), i.e. the catch quota in Montenegrin waters.

Particular attention is paid to the conservation of small-scale fisheries, a tradition along the coast, and especially in the Boka Kotorska Bay. Catches from traditional tools and techniques allowed in small-scale fisheries are monitored, and the possibilities of conservation of traditional fishing gears such as the beach seine for pilchard and anchovy in Kotor and Risan Bays estimated. Also, monitoring of locations suitable for spawning of fish and other marine organisms, as well as their conservation as potentially protected areas is carried out.

Monitoring of cetaceans and sea turtles started for the first time in Montenegro in 2013, and is done mainly through international cooperation projects, all in order to better understand their biology, migration and habits, so that they can approach to the protection and conservation of these species could be made.

Particular attention is paid to the monitoring of new species of fish that enter the Adriatic Sea due to climate change, predominantly via the Suez Canal from the Red Sea (Lessepsian migrants) and through the Gibraltar in the Mediterranean from the Atlantic Ocean. In cooperation with the Institute for Oceanography and Fisheries in Split, and with colleagues from Albania, 46 new species have already been described. The deep-sea ichthyofauna of the South Adriatic pit is also monitored, within the framework of scientific-research expeditions.

The Laboratory is involved in studies of impact of all activities and interventions along Montenegrin coast and sea, especially from the point of view of fisheries and fish fry, i.e. the spawning locations of fish and other marine organisms, which need to be protected or negative impacts on them mitigated. The Laboratory will continue to organise meetings with fishermen, and governmental and non-governmental institution and organisations, and promote joint efforts in protection of our coast and sea in the context of conservation of biodiversity.