In response to the increasing worldwide concern for the survival of Venice, CNR established the Institute for the Study of the Dynamics of Large Masses in 1969, now incorporated within the Marine Sciences Institute (ISMAR). First created as a laboratory, it has spread from basic research in oceanography and geology to applied research. The other Venice-based branch of CNR-ISMAR is the Institute for Marine Biology, established in 1946 as the National Centre of Thalassographic Studies, which focuses on pure and applied biological oceanography, marine and lagoon biology. Hydro (electricity), Italgas (gas) and Telecom Italia (telephones), Insula is now wholly owned by the municipality and is responsible for urban maintenance and, more precisely, measures such as dredging canals, restoration of canal walls, foundations and fa9ades of buildings lining canals, restoring bridges, rationalisation of underground utility lines (and sewer system), maintenance and renovation of paving, raising of footpaths to reduce the frequency of flooding. The Institute also supports special research projects that concern Venice and the Veneto, and which are addressed to the international community.