Marine geophysicists from the Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography at the University of Patras conducted a marine geophysical and hydrographic survey off Methoni, Greece, in the Peloponnese. The survey was conducted under the auspices of the Greek Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities (Ministry of Culture and Sports), with support from Kongsberg Maritime.

The goal of the expedition was to highlight the Blue Growth potential in the region and also highlight the need for the conservation of the local marine environment. The outcomes are expected to highlight underwater resources that have the potential of being drivers for sustainable growth with special focus on the local underwater cultural heritage resources.

The geo-archeological survey within the Evolved GE.N.ESIS (A marine Geophysical investigatioN for marine knowledge and the anthESIS of Methoni) project, cast the spotlight on a number of underwater finds and also promoted regional sustainable growth.

Other project objectives include the assessment of the extent of the submerged and semi-buried prehistoric settlement off Methoni as well as evidence for its submersion.

The Kongsberg hydrographic and geophysical instrumentation was then used to map in 2D and 3D the town’s ancient submerged pier and harbour, as well as ruins of the submerged prehistoric town.