Basic Info
The Institute of Marine Biology was established in 1961 by decree of the People’s Republic of Montenegro on the founding of the Institute of Marine Biology, headquartered in Kotor (Decree No. 2070, published on 11 December 1961 in the Official Gazette of the PR of Montenegro, No. 29). Over the course of several organisational transformations, the Institute assumed its current form in 1997 and, in 2004, became an organisational unit of the University of Montenegro.
For more than six decades, the Institute has been dedicated to scientific research focused on the marine ecosystems of the southern Adriatic. Its primary objectives include studying marine flora and fauna, investigating their interactions with biotic and abiotic factors, and understanding the dynamics of the marine ecosystems. A significant part of the research involves analysing environmental changes driven by climate change and anthropogenic influences.
Research conducted at the Institute is predominantly ecological in nature, given the complexity of the Adriatic Sea as a system, with particular emphasis on its southern part and the Bay of Kotor as a unique natural phenomenon.
In addition to fundamental research, the Institute carries out numerous applied studies aimed at environmental conservation, marine fisheries, mariculture, and integrated coastal zone management. The results of these scientific studies are directly applied in practice, contributing to sustainable marine resource management.
Scientific Excellence and Institutional Credibility
With over 60 years of existence, the Institute has played a key role in connecting Kotor and Montenegro with the wider European and global scientific community. The institution enjoys strong support from national governmental and academic bodies, including the Ministry of Science, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, the Ministry of Ecology, Spatial Planning and Urbanism, the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts, the Municipality of Kotor, and the Government of Montenegro.
Recognised as the leading institution for all matters related to the research, protection, and sustainable use of the marine ecosystem of the Montenegrin coast and the southern Adriatic, the Institute aims to become the national reference centre for marine research and conservation—an ambition that would serve as the culmination of six decades of dedicated scientific work.
The Institute of Marine Biology remains the only research institution in Montenegro exclusively dedicated to marine studies. Over the past five years, its scientists have published a total of 113 research papers in leading scientific databases, including SCI, SCIE, SSCI, and A&HCI.
Structure and Research Facilities
Currently, the Institute’s research activities are organised into five laboratories and one specialised centre:
- Laboratory for Marine Chemistry and Oceanography
- Laboratory for Ichthyology and Marine Fisheries
- Laboratory for Plankton and Seawater Quality
- Laboratory for Benthic Studies and Marine Conservation
- Laboratory for Developmental Research and Mariculture
- Centre for Adriatic Biodiversity Conservation – Aquarium Boka
In 2025, the Institute employs 17 staff members with a PhD, 1 doctoral candidate, 8 members of professional staff, six members of administrative staff, and nine members of technical staff. In other words, approximately half of the Institute’s employees belong to the scientific staff, while the remainder are professional, administrative, and technical personnel. Of the total staff, nine are funded through projects or market-based sources. International Collaboration and Projects
The Institute of Marine Biology is a sought-after project partner across Europe. As the only scientific institution in Montenegro fully dedicated to marine research, it represents an ideal collaborator for various international research initiatives. Over the past five years, the Institute has participated in a total of 76 projects, both as a leading and partner institution.
The majority of international projects are financed through European Union pre-accession funds under programmes such as FP7, the IPA Adriatic CBC Programme, and Interreg MED.
The Institute also plays an active role in global marine resource management. It participates in the work of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with its scientists serving as members of working groups responsible for assessing small pelagic fish stocks, demersal species, small-scale coastal fisheries, and recreational fisheries. Institute representatives also contribute to the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).
Furthermore, Montenegro participates in the Mediterranean Trawl Survey (MEDITS), an initiative required for all EU member states with Mediterranean coastlines. Since 2008, Montenegro has been able to take part in this project through the support of AdriaMed – a regional FAO programme fostering scientific cooperation for responsible fisheries in the Adriatic Sea.
At the national level, the Ministry of Science of Montenegro has funded projects through the Higher Education and Research for Innovation and Competitiveness (HERIC) programme, supported by the World Bank. Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management has provided funding through national monitoring programmes and MIDAS II initiatives.
Commercial Activities
In addition to research and project-based work, the Institute of Marine Biology is engaged in various commercial activities. These include:
- Seawater quality assessment at bathing sites along the Montenegrin coast
- Marine environment monitoring
- Shellfish and fish farm monitoring
- Aquarium Boka – Montenegro’s first public aquarium
The Institute is officially accredited for scientific research by the Ministry of Science, while its laboratories are certified for marine water quality analysis and phytoplankton identification.
Sustainable Marine Resource Management
The ongoing development of tourism, maritime transport, fisheries, and other industries reliant on marine resources inevitably impacts the Adriatic Sea’s ecosystem. The pressures of climate change, uncontrolled ballast water discharge, and marine pollution have led to an increase in invasive species, including fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other marine organisms.
As a result, the protection and sustainable management of the marine environment are becoming increasingly complex, requiring greater financial and human resources. The Institute remains at the forefront of addressing these challenges, providing expert guidance and scientific recommendations for the preservation of Montenegro’s marine biodiversity.
AdriBioPro – Adriatic Biodiversity Protection Conference
Since 2019, the Institute of Marine Biology has organised the AdriBioPro International Scientific Conference, a biennial event dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the Adriatic region. The conference brings together scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to share research, shape environmental policy, and foster regional cooperation. Topics span marine and freshwater biodiversity, climate change, marine litter, aquaculture, and the blue economy, with a strong emphasis on connecting science to practice.
For more information, visit the official AdriBioPro conference website.
