Knowledge Portal Munitions in the Sea

Knowledge Portal Munitions in the Sea

Photo mosaic of old ammunition on the seafloor; taken during the expedition AL548 with the help of the AUVs "Anton" and "Luise"
© AUV-Team/GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
Photo mosaic of old ammunition on the seafloor; taken during the expedition AL548 with the help of the AUVs "Anton" and "Luise"

Munitions in the sea

Warfare material, containing hazardous compounds, has sunk to the seabeds of many seas and oceans. This Munitions Portal presents the state of the science of this particular field of research in Europe, also highlighting its connection with politics and civil society.

© AUV-Team/GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel

Marine environmental protection and maritime security are major sociopolitical tasks at present. All riparian states of sea and ocean basins of Europe are affected by a legacy of past wars: munitions, resting and corroding on the seabed. The JPI Oceans Knowledge Portal opens up the state of knowledge from science, economy, politics and non-governmental organisations.

Management options range from charting and monitoring to the removal of hazardous objects filled with both  conventional and non-conventional (CBRN) warfare agents. The remediation of the seabed requires significant investments in safe habitats, free of point sources of pollutants that pose health risks to the marine flora, fauna, seafood, and the safety of humans using the seas.

 Munitions in the sea in simplified language

Management

Managing risks from munitions in the sea unites science, public administration, and civil society.

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Mapping and evaluation

Assessing, processing, combining, and analysing historical information and recent survey data are highly developed practices. Artificial intelligence, data-integrating interpretation procedures and other computer-driven technologies are currently in the focus of innovation.

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Environment and toxicity

Chemicals such as explosives, chemical warfare agents, and metals from marine munitions are entering the marine environment. These harmful compounds enter the food web through the digestion of marine flora and fauna.

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Remediation methods

An increasing number of approaches have been developed to dispose of dangerous munition objects in the sea. Government agencies, science and industry are evaluating hazards and developing technical procedures to apply remediation at minimum risk for people, infrastructures and sensitive marine habitats.

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