PROJECT TANGAROA: A Global Framework for the Near-and Long-Term Assessment, Intervention and Sharing of Data for Potentially Polluting Wrecks

Summary

This is an abstract from the session entitled "The Intersection Between Natural and Cultural Heritage and the Pressing Threats to Both", at the 2025 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

Globally over 8,500 wrecks are classified as ‘potentially polluting wrecks’ (PPWs) mainly originating from the two World Wars, and containing oil, chemicals and munitions. There is an increasing risk of pollution impacting the ocean environment and coastal communities from these wrecks, due to climate change, structural deterioration and lack of proactive management.

Response to such pollution is reactive, expensive and uncoordinated globally. Without proactive action, dealing with pollution from these wrecks could cost up to $340 billion, and inflict immeasurable environmental damage.

This paper details Project TANGAROA initiated by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, The Ocean Foundation and Waves Group, and which aims to:

Develop an International Standard and protocols for assessment and intervention, and improve methodologies for proactive risk management of PPWs, with a technology roadmap;

Develop a global framework for the near and long-term assessment, intervention and sharing of data;

Develop an archive strategy for PPW datasets and their dissemination.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• The Intersection Between Natural and Cultural Heritage and the Pressing Threats to Both   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2025

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Nicole Haddow