The Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa) promotes and coordinates research and scientific activities, and their applications, in the field of Marine Sciences among its 32 associated Universities from around Italy. It has been a legal entity since 1996, operating under the supervision of the Ministry of University and Scientific and Technological Research. Today, CoNISMa supports about 700 affiliates including research professors and technicians. CoNISMa was established to promote and co-ordinate research and other scientific and applicable activities covering seven thematic areas: the costal environment; ocean environment; saltwater environment; polar environments; marine technologies; marine biotechnologies; protected marine areas; and fishing, fish farming and sea farming.