Excavating Munitions from the Sea: A Shared European Responsibility
According to Tobias Goldschmidt, Schleswig-Holstein’s Environment Minister, the retrieval of unexploded munitions (UXO) from European seas is a generational undertaking. During a gathering in Brussels, the Green Party politician addressed conservation groups, politicians, academics, and government representatives about Germany’s UXO recovery efforts.
"Regrettably, UXO is present in all European waters, yet its management and knowledge vary widely," Goldschmidt remarked. "A coordinated European approach would significantly benefit the environment and the industries that provide recovery technologies."
Munition remnants from the two World Wars have been submerged in the North and Baltic Seas for over eight decades, gradually eroding. These substances contain carcinogens and are non-biodegradable. "We’re racing against corrosion and must act swiftly," Goldschmidt stated.
Sebastian Unger, the German government’s maritime ambassador, emphasized that UXO contamination is not limited to Germany. "We should collaborate and jointly assume responsibility for our oceans and future generations."
The estimated amount of UXO in the German North and Baltic Seas is roughly 1.6 million tons. Figures for European waters are still unavailable. The entire Baltic Sea is believed to contain approximately 600,000 tons of UXO.
Environmental and Economic Implications
UXO poses numerous risks to marine ecosystems and human health:
- Toxic Leakage: Corroding munitions release hazardous chemicals into the water, contaminating marine life and potentially affecting human health through the food chain.
- Degradation of Habitats: UXO can physically damage habitats, destroying coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other critical marine environments.
- Economic Impacts: UXO can harm fisheries, tourism, and shipping industries by restricting access to fishing grounds, damaging infrastructure, and posing navigational hazards.
Benefits of a Coordinated European Approach
A unified European approach to UXO management offers substantial advantages:
- Shared Expertise and Resources: Collaboration facilitates knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and the development of standardized recovery techniques.
- Cost Efficiency: Coordinated efforts can reduce project costs by avoiding duplication and leveraging economies of scale.
- Environmental Protection: A comprehensive approach ensures the efficient removal of UXO from European waters, minimizing environmental risks.
- Economic Stimulus: Recovery operations can stimulate the development of new technologies and create employment opportunities.
Germany’s Leadership Role
Germany has taken a proactive stance in addressing UXO in its coastal waters:
- Research and Development: Funding research projects to develop innovative recovery technologies and survey methods.
- Recovery Operations: Conducting large-scale recovery operations to locate, identify, and safely remove UXO.
- International Cooperation: Collaborating with neighboring countries and partnering with international organizations to share knowledge and best practices.
Call for European Cooperation
Goldschmidt and Unger urged European countries to join forces in confronting the UXO challenge:
- Establish a European Framework: Develop a comprehensive framework for coordinating UXO management, setting standards, and facilitating collaboration.
- Increase Funding: Dedicate sufficient funding to research, recovery operations, and long-term monitoring programs.
- Promote Technology Development: Encourage innovation in the development of safe and efficient recovery technologies.
By working together, European nations can ensure the removal of UXO from their oceans, safeguarding marine ecosystems, protecting human health, and stimulating economic growth.
