FSUI “AtlantNIRO” is the leading research institution of Russia to investigate fishery biological resources. At present AtlantNIRO’s research areas are Central and Eastern Atlantic, high seas and Antarctic parts of the Atlantic Ocean, Southeastern Pacific and Western Indian Ocean, Russian parts of Curonian and Vistula lagoons, exclusive economic zone of Russia in the Baltic Sea. The research is aimed at the development of scientific basis for rational utilization of biological resources and its effective exploitation on the base of up-to-date technologies. The number of employees is about 400 persons, including 200 scientists and engineers. More than 50 scientists have advanced degrees and statuses.
The Institute’s scientific research activities are carried out in two directions: biological and technological ones. The Biological Department includes divisions to study commercial and perspective fishing objects and their environment. Specialists of the Technological Department are engaged in the investigations covering almost all types of processing of hydrobionts and other raw materials of animal and vegetable origin. AtlantNIRO takes an active part in the projects adopted by FAO, NAFO, ICES, CCAMLR, ICCAT and others. Under the agreements with the Kingdom of Morocco and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania the Institute has been investigating hydrobionts in their zones for many years.
Laboratories equipped with modern instruments and computers, two research vessels for surveys in any part of the World Ocean and a launch for investigations in the lagoons of the Baltic Sea are used as the material and technical basis for the biological investigations. A special research and experimental base settled in the village of Lesnoye on the Curonian Spit (Kaliningrad region) is intended for study a reproductive cycle of marine and freshwater fish species and to conduct other research works.