Some of our world's most traveled waterways are also some of the deadliest, racking up a number of shipwrecks that will only increase as climate change causes weather to take a turn for the worse, a new study says.
"Since 1999 there have been 293 shipping accidents in the South China Sea and East Indies, home of the Coral Triangle and 76 per cent of the world's coral species," World Wildlife Fund (WWF) International marine manager Dr. Simon Walmsley said. "As recently as April this year we've seen a Chinese fishing boat run aground on a protected coral reef in the Philippines that had already been damaged by a US Navy ship in January."
The study, carried out by Southampton Solent University was done in conjunction with the WWF. It identified the South China Seas, East Indies, the East Mediterranean, Black Sea, North Sea, and the British Isles as the regions where the most shipwrecks occurred. Most of the shipwrecks were smaller vessels older than 20 years old,
According to the study, 50 percent of all shipping accidents are caused by rough weather, leaks, or breaking in two. The researchers also assert climate change will increase oceanic turbulence, creating problems for larger, newer ships as well.
Shipwrecks are a growing concern as toxic byproducts are often times release, wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems. The team urges countries to exhibit greater accountability when dealing with shipping vessels in an effort to prevent unseaworthy vessels from leaving the dock.
"We really want to see the shipping industry promote greater owner and operator responsibility and encourage owners to register with better flag states, the country which a vessel is registered to," said Dr. Walmsley.
"Additionally, irresponsible and badly performing owners and countries need to be exposed in order to motivate them to significantly increase their standards which will decrease the number of accidents we see still occurring today"