The project is co-funded 85% by the European programme «Interreg 2014-2020, Balkan-Mediterranean» and 15% by national resources. It has started on the 15 September 2017 and will end on 14 September 2019. The study areas of the project include MPAs and Natura sites. One key study area will be visited in each country (Greece, Cyprus, Albania, and Bulgaria). Specifically, three survey sites at the Marine Protected Area (MPA) of Cape Greko (CY3000005) in Cyprus were selected (each of approximately 200 x 200m), popular for tourists and recreational divers (Cyclops Cave, Agioi Anargyroi, and Canyon). Field work at Cape Greco lasted for more than a month; starting from the 20th October until the 3rd December 2018. MER Lab has undergone several biodiversity assessments, formed litter transects, surveyed Posidonia oceanica 1m² quadrats and collected sediment, water and macrofauna samples.

Find out more at the following links:

https://www.merresearch.com/portfolio/subcontractors-for-the-reconnect-project-funded-by-the-interreg-balkan-mediterranean-european-regional-development-fund-2018-on-going/

https://reconnect.hcmr.gr/