Will climate change turn shipwrecks to polluters?

Shipwrecks are fascinating remnants of history, but they also pose a significant environmental risk as climate change accelerates their deterioration. In the waters around the UK, there are over 10,000 shipwrecks, and many of them remain unidentified. Some of these wrecks still contain fuel, and as ocean temperatures rise and storms become more severe, the metal structures of these ships are breaking down at an alarming rate. Dr. Julian Whitewright, a marine archaeologist, warns that the degradation of these wrecks could lead to pollution levels comparable to small oil tanker spills. Oil spills are notorious for their devastating effects on marine life and ecosystems, making the potential for such incidents a serious concern. Climate change is not just about rising sea levels and melting ice; it also leads to coastal erosion, flooding, and changes in marine habitats. Dr. Whitewright explains that as the oceans warm, various species migrate, including marine organisms that can bore into wood, which may cause wooden shipwrecks to deteriorate more quickly. Additionally, ocean acidification, a process where the ocean absorbs excess carbon dioxide, can further accelerate the breakdown of metal structures. Each shipwreck tells a unique story, often containing human remains and artifacts from the past. Once a wreck is lost to the sea, it cannot be recovered, and many of the wrecks in Welsh waters date back to the world wars, with some powered by coal and others by oil. If these wrecks collapse due to structural degradation, the potential for oil leaks into the ocean increases significantly. To address this environmental threat, researchers must first identify what each ship was carrying and what type of fuel it contained. However, this task is complicated by the fact that many wrecks remain unidentified. Dr. Michael Roberts from Bangor University emphasizes the importance of surveying these wrecks to gain a better understanding of their identities and contents. He notes that historical data on shipwrecks is often limited and inaccurate, leading to a significant margin of error in identifying wrecks. His team has surveyed 650 shipwrecks in the UK, but there are still many more to explore. Dr. Roberts aims to ensure that Wales becomes the first country to have a complete inventory of its maritime heritage, but funding remains a significant barrier to this goal. He explains that effective survey work requires specialized ships and equipment, and time is running out. If action is not taken soon, many of these wrecks will become indistinguishable piles of debris on the seabed. To protect these valuable historical sites from the impacts of climate change, Dr. Whitewright suggests burying them in sand. This method can prevent erosion and damage from marine life. A project called Project Seagrass is working to plant seagrass in areas where shipwrecks are located. Seagrass can help stabilize the seabed and protect wrecks by trapping sediment and building up the surrounding environment.