# Albanian shipwreck marine ecosystem development > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/albanian-shipwreck-marine-ecosystem-development > Updated: 2026-09-06T10:07:47.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. The remains of the Italian hospital ship ‘Po’, which sank near the coast of Vlorë, Albania, in 1941 during the Greco-Italian War, have developed into a significant artificial reef. Research conducted between 2022 and 2024, involving 32 dives, high-resolution sonar, and 3D photography, indicates that over 80 percent of the vessel’s surface is now covered by marine life, including sponges, tunicates, shellfish, and other invertebrates. Studies published in ‘Frontiers in Ocean Sustainability’ identified approximately 151 different species inhabiting the wreckage. A notable ecological finding is the presence of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal, which was photographed within the ship’s structure in August 2023, marking its first confirmed sighting in the Vlorë Gulf since 1996. While the site supports diverse native biodiversity, researchers also noted the presence of invasive lionfish (Pterois miles), which have established themselves around the wreck after entering the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Vlorë shipwreck becomes habitat for 151 marine species A WWII hospital ship sunk near Vlorë, Albania, has become a rich marine ecosystem hosting 151 species, including the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vlor-shipwreck-becomes-habitat-for-151-marine-species ### 2026-09-02: Albanian shipwreck becomes thriving artificial reef for rare marine species The WWII Italian hospital ship ‘Po’, sunk off Albania, has become a vital artificial reef hosting 151 species, including endangered Mediterranean monk seals and invasive lionfish. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shipwreck-of-italian-hospital-ship-po-becomes-marine-ecosystem --- Cite as: Albanian shipwreck marine ecosystem development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/albanian-shipwreck-marine-ecosystem-development