IMIS

Since 1985, many different Italian scientific groups have outlined and carried out basic and applied research studies and projects in Antarctica, covering many research fields but, especially, marine ecology and geology. All the samples collected have been progressively acquired by the MNA, in order to organize important biological, glaciological, geological, mineralogical and palaeontological collections. In particular, the Section of Genova stores all the biological samples. Main collections originated from the area around the Italian base, at Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea, from intertidal level to 1000m of depth. Many other samples now in the MNA come from joint expeditions done with U.S., N.Z. and Germany. The most complete collections are those of Porifera, Mollusca, Echinodermata and all the other minor benthic invertebrate taxa. Fishes represent a minor, but currently growing, collection. The mission of the Museo is the conservation, study and promotion of samples collected during the Italian scientific expeditions, as well as to promote the results achieved by the Italian scientific community.