Let's North Sea: The toxic legacy of war

In this last edition of the Let's North Sea video series, journalist Shane Woodford travels to Denmark, Germany, and Belgium to hear about the toxic legacy left behind by the two world wars.

The North Sea Wrecks project investigates the danger and toxicity of unexploded munition and other shipwrecked remains found at the bottom of the North Sea. Their findings are clear: The project warns that time is running out to deal with war munitions littered across the North Sea floor that are leaking toxic substances.

The North Sea is littered with thousands of ship and aircraft wrecks, over a million tonnes of munitions including unexploded ordnance, and chemical warfare agents. This poses dangers to marine wildlife and human activities such as wind farm construction.

Based on their investigations, the project warns that time is running out to deal with war munitions littered across the North Sea floor that are leaking toxic substances. 

North Sea Wrecks worked with the OSPAR Commission and relevant national authorities to ensure their findings were taken on board. The project also travelled with a popular exhibition attended by 8,000 visitors in Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands in the past year. 

Learn much more about North Sea Wrecks and find contact details on their website.

Explore North Sea Wreck's website

Explore all our projects supporting marine ecosystem health and a sustainable blue economy in the North Sea. 

Check out the highlights

Top photo: Cornelia Riml