The third BLUEQ sampling expedition in Vlore, Albania

The third sampling expedition of the BLUEQ Project was carried out from 28 to 30 April 2026 in the Vlore area, Albania.

Field activities focused on the Radhimë and Karaburun–Sazan regions and included scientific diving operations for the collection of sediment cores and biomass samples from Posidonia oceanica, as well as in situ measurements of environmental parameters. Remote sensing with drones was also conducted for mapping the study area.

The Institute of GeoEnergy (FORTH/IG) actively participated in the field campaign, contributing to the collection and management of field data.

The field campaign was conducted in close collaboration with project partners, including the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), the University of the Aegean (Greece), AULEDA – Local Economic Development Agency (Albania), Public Institution Nature of Šibenik-Knin County (Croatia), the University of Palermo (Italy), and the Institute of Modern Technologies Montenegro.

Beyond the technical objectives, the expedition provided an important opportunity for knowledge exchange and coordination among partners, enhancing methodological alignment and reinforcing collaboration within the consortium.

The successful completion of the Vlore expedition represents another key milestone for the BLUEQ Project, further advancing our understanding of the role of Posidonia oceanica meadows in blue carbon storage and highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary research in the protection and sustainable management of Mediterranean marine ecosystems.