Hydrobiology Laboratory
The Hydrobiology Laboratory carries out comprehensive research into the biological components of aquatic environments in marine and inland ecosystems. We specialise in the analysis of zooplankton, phytobenthos, zoobenthos and ichthyofauna, providing the data necessary for assessing the ecological status of waters, environmental monitoring and the implementation of investment projects. The research is carried out in accordance with current national and European methodologies, ensuring a high level of reliability and comparability.
The Laboratory performs quantitative and qualitative analyses of zooplankton, including species identification, and assessment of biomass, trophic structures and seasonal variability. These data are crucial for assessing the ecological status of water bodies and the processes occurring within food chains.
Phytobenthos surveys involve determining the species composition and biomass of individual taxa, as well as their role in the functioning of coastal ecosystems.
The macrozoobenthos surveys carried out at the Laboratory include taxonomic analyses, the determination of abundance and biomass, and, based on this data, the calculation of biotic indices used in assessments of marine environmental quality in accordance with the Water Framework Directive or the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
Research into ichthyofauna includes species identification in marine and inland waters, as well as ichthyological analyses.
The Laboratory also carries out a wide range of environmental studies for offshore projects. This includes biological inventory surveys and environmental monitoring for offshore wind farms, subsea cables, power connections and pipelines. We provide support in the process of obtaining decisions on environmental conditions, prepare environmental impact assessments and carry out post-implementation monitoring, providing investors with the data they need to conduct responsible and lawful operations at sea.
Environmental protection initiatives form a significant part of our activities. We conduct research on the objects of conservation in Natura 2000 sites and other forms of nature conservation, and monitor habitats and protected species as part of the State Environmental Monitoring Programme. Our research supports public administration, environmental organisations and entities responsible for the management of natural resources.
The Hydrobiology Laboratory team comprises experienced specialists — hydrobiologists, ichthyologists, taxonomists and environmental monitoring experts. The high level of our staff’s expertise, combined with many years of field and laboratory experience, guarantees the highest quality of the research we carry out. We have a range of equipment at our disposal, including sampling equipment, stereomicroscopes and biological microscopes, measurement systems, and analytical and IT tools.
Our operations are based on high-quality standards, as confirmed by ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 certifications. This ensures that the results are fully reliable, reproducible and compliant with national and international requirements.