The sea - Marine biology and ecology

The underwater world and its flora and fauna in the Gulf of Baratti and along the coast of Populonia are of unique richness and beauty. Even in shallow water, an explosion of colours and shapes will impress the diver-visitor: yellow parazoanthus, big, orange sponges and green grasslands of seagrass. Numerous molluscs, fish and crustaceans seem like playing on the original rocky seaground. The coral reef, at last, affascinate with its big red gorgonia and their sinuous movements and with the traces of ancient civilations. Even in open sea, it is possible to encounter sunfish, sea eagles, big shoal and – for the luckier ones – cetacea on their sanctuary through the Mediterranean Sea.

The Marine Biological Institute of Piombino has its premises in an ancient palazzo, now thoroughly modernised and fully equipped, which in the early fifteenth century was the residence of Gherardo Appiani.
In a highly suggestive natural context, in the centre of a piazza extending over the sea facing the island of Elba, the structure boasts fully equipped laboratories and classrooms for the study of the marine environment: the flora and fauna of the Tyrrhenian Coast.

Groups of 25 students can use, even at the same time, scientific instruments such as microscopes, stereoscopes, instruments for water analysis, etc. The course includes theoretical lessons and the utilisation of audiovisual aids, flipcharts, biographical aids and the direct study of living creatures taken from the surrounding sea.
Live observations are possible in the nearby aquarium and on excursions along the coast. The Acquario Mediterraneo, with 15 tanks (3 large ones), located just a few metres from the Institute and supplied directly with sea water, is open to the public.

Visit the animal exhibits: collections of shells, skeleton parts, sets of teeth etc. For information call 0565/225196.