The Laboratory of Coastal Biology is directed to scientific research on the ecology, ecosystem functioning and ecosystem-based management of coastal ecosystems, namely the nearshore region and its terrestrial margins. The ecological research is targeted on benthic invertebrates assemblages, functional groups research, demersal and hyperbenthic organisms and biotopes characterisation, mapping and modelling. The team is also involved in extension and scientific dissemination activities, namely in the field of environmental education, technical training (e.g. teachers, general public, scuba diving, scientific diving) as well as in scientific dissemination actions.