Iole Di Capua, is a biological oceanographer at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn in Naples, Italy. Her research focuses on zooplankton taxonomy and ecology. She works in the research department, which supports marine biological research and infrastructure.
This work is one of the ten winning projects from the second DTO-BioFlow Open Call. The interview was recorded during the exclusive data training workshop in Paris, held from 3–5 June 2025. The immersive event brought together experts and project teams for hands-on sessions in data transformation, quality control, metadata management, and collaborative discussions, refining methodologies and strengthening connections across the growing marine biodiversity data network.
Read the full written interview
Who are you, and what is the name of your institute?
My name is Iole Di Capua, and I’m a biological oceanographer at the Zoological Institute Anton Dohrn in Naples, Italy. My research focuses on zooplankton taxonomy and ecology, and I’m part of the Renard Department, which supports marine biological research and infrastructure.
Can you tell us about your institute?
The Anton Dohrn Zoological Institute was founded in 1872 by German biologist Anton Dohrn and has over 150 years of history. It’s one of the oldest marine research institutes in Europe and a global reference in marine biology, ecology, evolution, and biotechnology. Our headquarters are in Naples, but we also have sites across Italy. My team mainly works in the Gulf of Naples.
What projects are you currently involved in?
For the past 40 years, we’ve been running a project called MareMar, investigating plankton communities in relation to climate and environmental changes. Since 2006, our station has been part of national and international long-term ecological monitoring networks (LTRs).
We collect environmental and biological data weekly from a station located two nautical miles offshore from Naples. We measure temperature, salinity, and nutrients, and collect phytoplankton and zooplankton samples. For zooplankton, we use a Pamcon net, a standard VP2 double net with a 200 µm mesh, sampling from 15 meters depth to the surface.
How do you analyse the collected samples?
In the lab, we perform quantitative analyses, identifying organisms to at least the species level, with a focus on copepods, doliolids, and other planktonic organisms.
We are also updating and harmonising zooplankton data from 1984 to 2024, creating a new, unpublished dataset spanning 1996–2024. Using strict quality assurance and control, cross-checks, and independent verification, we ensure the data are realistic.
How is the data formatted and shared?
We follow FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and format the data using international standards, including Darwin Core and taxonomic standards. This makes integration into platforms like OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) easier, increasing the data’s visibility and usability on a European and global scale.
Why is this dataset important?
This is one of the longest and most complete zooplankton datasets in the Mediterranean. Plankton are key indicators of marine ecosystem health and a critical component of the marine food web.
Our dataset supports research on:
- Biodiversity and species distribution
- Phenology and the effects of climate change
- Tracking invasive or non-indigenous species
From a policy perspective, this data can help coastal planning, species monitoring, conservation strategies, and ecosystem management.
Why is this dataset important?
It strengthens our expertise in taxonomy and data management and reinforces our institute’s role as a key hub for marine research and open data in the Mediterranean. We are committed to making high-quality data freely accessible to the wider scientific community, not just for our own research.
Have you worked with the B-OpenOcean platform before?
Not before, but it’s an exciting and innovative tool. It allows simulations and predictions that support better marine management. With our long-term, quality-controlled zooplankton dataset, we can validate and calibrate these models, making a real contribution to marine science.
Watch the video interview
Discover other Data Providers selected in the Second Open Call.