The Institute of Oceanology in Varna (IO-BAS, www.io-bas.bg) was established in 1973 and it is affiliated to the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The main research activities are focused on the field of coastal dynamics, marine physics, chemistry, geology, biology, ecology, marine technology and instrumentation. It offers consulting and expert services concerning problems of marine environment, continental shelf, offshore and coastal ecosystems, Environmental Impact
assessment, education and training. IO-BAS runs a Coastal Research Station and hosts the Bulgarian National Oceanographic Data Centre (BGODC).
