WWII Hospital Ship Po Becomes Biodiversity Hub in Albania A sunken World War II ship off the Albanian coast has evolved into a thriving artificial reef, sheltering endangered moNk seals and invasive firefish. A Wartime Relic Turned HabitatIn 1941, during the Greco-Italian War, a massive hospital ship known as the Po sank in the waters of Vlora Bay off the coast of Albania. the vessel, measuring 135 meters in length, was struck by a torpedo launched from a British Fairey Swordfish aircraft. This event resulted in the deaths of 23 people and sent the ship to the seabed, where it settled approximately one mile from the shore at a depth of 35 meters. For decades, the wreck remained largely undisturbed and forgotten untill divers rediscovered it in 2005. Since its rediscovery, the Po has evolved from a tragic relic of war into a vibrant underwater ecosystem. now located within the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Protected Area, the rusting metal structure serves as an artificial reef. This process occurs when a solid object is introduced into the ocean, providing a hard surface for organisms to attach to and creating crevices that offer shelter for larger marine animals. Recent scientific assessments have revealed that more than 80 percent of the ship surface has been colonized by a variety of invertebrates, including mussels, oysters, sponges,and sea squirts.Scientific Discoveries and BiodiversityBetween 2022 and 2024, researchers conducted a series of 32 dives to document the biological colonization of the wreck. Utilizing high-resolution sonar surveys and 3D photography, the team identified 28 different fish species and egg clusters from the Ommastrephidae family of squid. the crew, which included biologist Simone Modugno from the University of Ferrara, found that the shipwreck acts as a critical hub for marine life, supporting residents such as groupers and wrasse.One of the most significant findings was the presence of the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the rarest mammals in the region. In August 2023, researchers captured images of a monk seal resting within the sheltered cavities of the Po. This discovery was particularly noteworthy as it marked the first confirmed sighting of the species in Vlora Bay since 1996. experts believe that as natural sea caves become fragmented or disrupted by human tourism and fishing activities, these artificial reefs provide essential alternative resting sites for the endangered mammals.The Threat of Invasive SpeciesWhile the shipwreck supports endangered local wildlife,it also attracts invasive species that could disrupt the local balance. Researchers observed several devil firefish, also known as Pterois miles, swimming around the wreck. These fish are native to the Red Sea and the West Indian Ocean but are expanding their range northward into the Mediterranean. The presence of up to seven individuals at a single time suggests that shipwrecks may act as stepping stones, helping tropical species migrate into more temperate waters.Biologists warn that this migration is heavily driven by climate change. Rising water temperatures and increased salinity are creating environments that allow alien organisms to thrive in the Adriatic Sea. Simone Modugno noted that the speed of these environmental changes is alarming and predicts that the exploding population of lionfish could become a serious ecological problem within the next decade, leading to overgrazing along the coasts of Albania, Italy, and Greece.Conservation and Digital PreservationThe ongoing study of the Po aims to balance the risks of invasive species with the benefits of providing habitat for endangered wildlife. To make these findings more acceSsible and to aid in conservation efforts, Modugno is developing a detailed 3D model of the shipwreck. This project will allow people to explore the wreck and its surrounding environment through virtual reality, showcasing both the historical significance of the vessel and the beauty of the underwater nature.By integrating archaeological tourism with scientific research,the project hopes to promote a deeper understanding of marine protection. The researchers believe that documenting the intersection of human history and natural recovery can assist inform future conservation strategies within protected marine areas. Through this lens, the Po has transitioned from a site of wartime loss to a symbol of resilience and biological diversity in the Mediterranean Sea.