A sunken World War II hospital ship off the coast of Albania has attracted both invasive devil firefish and rare Mediterranean monk seals, leading researchers to weigh the risks and benefits of these wrecks for local ecosystems.
The ship, called the Po, sank off Vlora Bay in 1941 after being hit by a torpedo from a British Fairey Swordfish aircraft during the Greco-Italian War, one of the conflicts within World War II. It is now acting as an artificial reef, with over 80% of its surface teeming with marine life, researchers reported July 27 in the journal Frontiers in Ocean Sustainability.
This phenomenon, by which submerged structures attract marine life, is called the artificial reef effect, and it occurs when marine life colonizes a newly introduced solid structure underwater. These structures can provide shelter because crevices and dens serve as hiding places, as well as food from the algae and other organisms that grow on its surface.
While there has been research on Vlora Bay generally, there was no historical biological or quantitative data for the Po wreck itself. The new study sought to find out more about how the ship's structure affected the surrounding seabed and how marine organisms have colonized it.
Devil firefish (Pterois miles) are native to warm coastal waters and coral reefs of the West Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. However, the new study found these fish swimming around the shipwreck off the coast of Albania, around 800 miles (1,300 kilometres) away, between June 2022 and September 2024, with up to seven individuals observed simultaneously. The study authors suggested that shipwrecks like Po could be attracting these invasive animals from their natural habitat toward more temperate waters.
“Unfortunately, I can't call it a true scientific surprise, because the effects of climate change are now sadly well known and predictable," Simone Modugno, a biologist and scientific diver at the University of Ferrara in Italy and co-author of the study, told Live Science. "What's perhaps most surprising is the speed with which these climate changes are occurring, acting as a driver and amplifier for the incursions of tropical and alien organisms. I'm talking about impressive salinity and abnormally high temperatures, with persistent peaks of extreme heat."
The Po, a sunken WWII hospital ship, has been colonized by a range of marine animals and plants. (Image credit: Mauro Pazzi)
The researchers noted that the presence of these fish is part of a wider problem: More invasive species are migrating from the Red Sea through the Suez Canal and into the Adriatic Sea due to warming global temperatures. Modugno said she expects a "serious problem" involving the devil firefish within the next 10 years.
"For at least three years, I've observed a steady and unstoppable increase in fish such as Pterois miles along the Albanian coast, as well as other invasive plant species, mollusks, and shellfish, as well as the spontaneous return of the Mediterranean monk seal," Modugno said. "Now, the Albanian coasts are experiencing constant overgrazing, just like the Greek and sub-Italian coasts, and the lionfish population is literally exploding.”
The study confirmed that this was one of the northernmost reported occurrences of the firefish in the Adriatic Sea.
However, invasive species aren't the only ones attracted to these shipwrecks. The researchers also noted 28 fish species living around the wreck, egg clusters belonging to the Ommastrephidae family of squid, and even sightings of the rare Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).
Most notably, researchers captured a monk seal resting within the sheltered cavities of the wreck in August 2023, which was the first confirmed sighting of the species in Vlora Bay since 1996.
This monk seal species typically breeds in sheltered sea caves across Mediterranean beaches. However, tourism and other human activities have forced the species into more isolated and dangerous caves. This, along with other threats from fishing entanglement, continue to threaten the seals. The sighting indicates that monk seals are using these artificial reefs as potential resting opportunities when their natural habitats are fragmented, the researchers said in the study.
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The ViewSonic VG1457 puts two 14-inch WUXGA displays into a portable 2.6-pound package, giving mobile workers more screen space without carrying two separate monitors.
Traveling and staying productive has become much easier in recent years, largely thanks to portable devices like tablets and laptops. The only issue I end up having is a lack of screen real estate when I’m on-the-go since I’m used to working on a 34-inch wide screen monitor. This is where ViewSonic’s dual-screen portable monitor comes in handy.
About the ViewSonic VG1457
The ViewSonic VG1457 is a dual-screen portable monitor designed to give users additional screen space without requiring two separate displays. It features two 14-inch WUXGA IPS displays with a 1920 × 1200 resolution, connected by a flexible hinge that allows the screens to be positioned in multiple configurations.
The VG1457 supports several viewing modes, including Extend, Mirror, Full-Screen, Share, and Dual Source. It also features USB-C connectivity with up to 65W power delivery, allowing it to connect to compatible laptops and mobile devices while helping reduce the number of cables needed. At approximately 2.6 pounds, the VG1457 is designed for users who want a larger workspace while traveling or working away from their primary desk.
With its flexible design and dual-display functionality, the VG1457 is particularly suited to productivity tasks such as multitasking, presentations, document work, and working with multiple applications simultaneously.
Specs
Screen Size: 14″ (x2)
Viewable Area (in.): 14″ (x2)
Color Space Support: 8 bit (6 bit + FRC)
Viewing Angles: 170º horizontal, 170º vertical
Backlight Life (Hours): 15,000
Display Resolution: WUXGA (1920×1200)
Display Resolution: 1920 x 1200
Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 50,000,000:1
Aspect Ratio: 16:10
Panel Surface: Anti-glare, hard-coating (3H)
Light Source: LED
Brightness: 250 cd/m2
Static Contrast Ratio: 800:1
Panel Type: IPS
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
PC Resolution (max): 1920×1200
Mac® Resolution (max): 1920×1080
USB Type C: 65W x 3
Internal Speakers: 2W (x2)
Consumption (typical): 13W
Consumption (max): 18.5W
Voltage: AC 100-240V (universal), 50-60Hz
Stand-by: 0.5W
Power Supply: External
Cable Organization: No
Physical Controls: Up, Down, Enter, Power
On Screen Display: Input Select, Display Settings, Volume, Color Adjust, Information, All Recall
Temperature: 32-104º F (0 – 40º C)
Humidity (non-condensing): 20-90%
Frequency Horizontal: 15 ~ 82 KHz
Frequency Vertical: 50 ~ 170 Hz
Swivel: 340º
Pivot (Right/Left): Landscape Mode: 0~180 degrees, Portrait Mode: 0~180 degrees, Stand Hinge: up to 90 degrees
Tilt (Forward/Back): 15º / 45º
Regulations: cTUVus, FCC-B, ICES003, Energy Star 8.0, EPEAT Silver, CEC
Net (lbs): 2.6
Net Without Stand (lbs): 2.6
Gross (lbs): 4.4
Net (kg): 1.2
Net Without Stand (kg): 1.2
Gross (kg): 2.0
Packaging (in.): 15.4″ x 11.3″ x 3″
Physical (in.): 16.77″ x 12.35″ x 0.59″
Physical Without Stand (in.): 12.21″ x 8.37″ x 0.98″
Packaging (mm): 391mm x 287mm x 77mm
Physical (mm): 425.9mm x 313.8mm x 15mm
Physical Without Stand (mm): 312.8mm x 212.65mm x 22.5mm
Package Contents: LCD Display, AC/DC Adapter, 2x USB Type C Cable, Protective Case, Quick Start Guide
Recycle/Disposal: Please dispose of in accordance with local, state or federal laws.
Warranty: Three-year limited warranty on parts, labor and backlight
Pricing & Availability
The ViewSonic VG1457 has a list price of $349.99 and is available on Amazon.
Setup & Connectivity
Getting the ViewSonic VG1457 up and running is remarkably simple. I connected both a Microsoft Surface Pro and a MacBook Pro directly to the monitor using USB-C, with each side of the VG1457 having its own USB-C port for controlling its respective display. No software or drivers were required, and both displays worked immediately when connected to their host systems.
One of the more convenient features is that the VG1457 does not necessarily need to be connected to external power. I initially had power connected, but disconnected it to see whether the laptops could power the displays themselves. Both the Surface Pro and MacBook Pro were able to power the VG1457 without issue. I also haven’t experienced any connection dropouts during my testing.
The experience does differ depending on the host computer. When using the MacBook Pro by itself, macOS recognizes the VG1457 as a single external display, with both panels showing the same content. The two panels are essentially mirrored rather than appearing as two independent external displays. I did adjust the resolution on the MacBook-connected display, although the monitor worked without making that adjustment. When I connected the Surface Pro by itself, only one of the VG1457’s displays was active. However, connecting the Surface Pro and MacBook Pro simultaneously allowed each display to operate independently, with one screen dedicated to each computer.
Display & Everyday Use
The VG1457’s displays have been impressive for everyday productivity. Brightness is more than adequate for indoor use and remains usable when positioned near a window. I haven’t tested it in direct sunlight, so I can’t say how well the panels would perform under those conditions, but typical indoor environments haven’t presented any issues.
Colors look good straight out of the box. They are slightly muted compared with the display on my MacBook Pro, but the difference is relatively minor, and I haven’t made any color adjustments. Text is particularly easy to read, which is important for a monitor designed primarily around productivity. I also haven’t noticed any significant glare or reflections during use.
For my testing, I used one display for Slack and the other for Messages. Having those applications visible simultaneously is a good example of where the VG1457 makes sense. Rather than constantly switching between windows, both applications remain visible and accessible. With its 60Hz maximum refresh rate, this isn’t a portable monitor I’d choose specifically for gaming, but that isn’t really where it excels. It is much better suited to expanding your workspace when you need additional screens for productivity.
Portability & Build Quality
Portability is one of the VG1457’s strongest attributes. Despite incorporating two displays into a single unit, it isn’t excessively heavy or cumbersome to carry. The system feels sturdy and robust when being handled, which gives me confidence that it can withstand normal wear and tear of traveling between home, office, and other locations.
The hinge is tight enough to keep the displays securely positioned while still being easy to open and adjust. That balance is important for a portable dual-screen design because a hinge that is too loose would make positioning the displays frustrating, while one that is too stiff would make setup unnecessarily difficult.
ViewSonic also includes a travel pouch, which is a welcome addition and makes transporting the VG1457 easier. The pouch is made from felt, however, so I would have preferred something with a little more structure and protection. A more substantial travel case would provide greater peace of mind when carrying two displays in a laptop bag or backpack.
Overall, the VG1457 has been easy to set up, reliable in my testing, and surprisingly practical to carry. Its biggest limitation so far is not the hardware itself, but how the displays behave depending on the computer they’re connected to. For productivity, however, having two additional panels available in such a portable package can be extremely useful.
Conclusion
The ViewSonic VG1457 solves a problem that anyone who regularly works away from a desktop setup can appreciate: how do you get more screen space without carrying a collection of monitors and cables? By combining two 14-inch displays into a single portable unit, ViewSonic has created a convenient way to expand your workspace while traveling.
Despite its limitations, the VG1457 is an excellent option for people who prioritize productivity and portability. Having two displays available in a single 2.6-pound package is incredibly useful when working away from a traditional desk. If your primary goal is to have more room for applications, messages, documents, and other productivity tasks while traveling, the VG1457 is worth considering.
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