Seagrass death threatens ancient shipwrecks : an urgent call for preservation

Abstract

Among the many aspects of our world under threat from climate change are the shipwrecks, temples, and tombs of the ancient world. Archaeological artefacts are preserved once they reach some form of stasis with their surrounding environment. Yet the tiniest of changes in that environment can completely destroy otherwise protected objects. Perhaps in no sub-discipline of archaeology is this threat more immediate than in maritime archaeology, where rising sea temperatures, rampant ocean acidification, deep sea mining, cable laying, pipeline projects, and even small-scale pleasure craft anchoring cast an ominous shadow over humanity’s shared maritime history. [excerpt]