Marine Biology Laboratory

In the Marine Biology Laboratory of the Estonian Marine Institute, benthic (phyto- and zoobenthos) and plankton samples are analysed, chlorophyll a concentrations are measured, and marine litter analyses are conducted.

The laboratory staff regularly participates in international accredited proficiency testing schemesas well as internal and external quality control programmes (e.g. SYKE, NMBAQC). The laboratory maintains a high level of taxonomic expertise in both benthic and planktonic species.

Modern research equipment is used in daily research activities, including microscopes, binocular microscopes, analytical precision balances, drying ovens, muffle furnaces, a spectrophotometer, and a climate chamber.

Analytical methods applied in the Marine Biology Laboratory comply with international standards, including ICES, HELCOM COMBINE, and ISO standards.

The following biological methods are validated and accredited by the Estonian Accreditation Centre (L179 ANNEX):

• determination of macrophytobenthos species composition and biomass;
• determination of macrozoobenthos species composition, abundance, and biomass;
• determination of mesozooplankton species composition, abundance, and biomass;
• determination of phytoplankton species composition, abundance, and biomass;
• determination of phytoplankton chlorophyll a.