Grandi Vertebrati Pelagici_Gruppo di Ricerca

sent the top of food chains and so they are perfect bioindicators of the marine ecosystem. Also theyr role as flagship species reserve a special importance in communication and man-agement decisions. Analysis of mammals stranding become the first interest of the group and the monitoring of bio-ecological parameters, pathology and contaminations in stranded cetaceans in northern Adriatic was the first output. The most studied among turtle is Caretta caretta: specimens were collected and analyzed from coastal zone. Morphometrics, anatomy, pathology, ectobionts, parasite, food ecology, heavy metal and contaminants presence are the main investigation actually pursued as well as the tracking and movements. The cooperations with other research units also are actually opening to other species and territories.