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Wooden shipwrecks turn out to be thriving habitats for seafloor microbiomes

The ocean floor is a graveyard to over three million shipwrecks, most of them made of wood. While they do alter the microbial habitat of the seafloor, new research has found that the impact is not all bad, and that they may even boost productivity. “Microbial communities are important to be aware of and understand because they provide early and clear evidence of how human activities change life in the ocean,” says author Dr Leila Hamdan of the University of Southern Mississippi, US. A study on the microbial life around two 19th-century shipwreck sites in the Gulf of Mexico investigates the diversity among these human-made habitats. Samples of biofilms were collected using pieces of pine and oak placed at the shipwreck, and up to 200 metres away from the shipwreck. After fourth months, microbes were measured using gene sequencing, including all bacteria, archaea and fungi “Ocean scientists have known that natural hard habitats, some of which have been present for hundreds to thousands of years, shape the biodiversity of life on the seafloor,” says Hamdan. “This work is the first to show that built habitats (places or things made or modified by humans) impact the films of microbes (biofilms) coating these surfaces as well. These biofilms are ultimately what enable hard habitats to transform into islands of biodiversity.” The results showed that bacteria preferred oak over pine, but that the type of wood had less impact on archaea or fungi diversity. Diversity also varied depending on the proximity to the wreck site, where surprisingly, the greatest diversity was not at the wreck site, but peaked at 125 metres away. The depth of the water, and proximity to a nutrient source like the Mississippi River delta, also played a part in the distribution of biofilms. Though this study informs on wooden shipwrecks and the impact on microbial diversity, there are also thousands of oil and gas platforms and oil pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico alone that warrant further research to understand their microbial impacts too. “While we are aware human impacts on the seabed are increasing through the multiple economic uses, scientific discovery is not keeping pace with how this shapes the biology and chemistry of natural undersea landscapes,” says Hamdan. “We hope this work will begin a dialogue that leads to research on how built habitats are already changing the deep sea.” This article originally appeared on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/biology/shipwrecks-habitats-microbiomes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cosmosmagazine.com</a> and was written by Qamariya Nasrullah.

Cruising

"World's most difficult shipwreck search" comes to an end

The wreck of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance has been found off the coast of Antarctica 107 years after it sank. The lost ship of the Anglo-Irish explorer had not been seen since it was crushed by ice and sank in the Weddell Sea on the 21st of November, 1915. Last month, the Endurance22 Expedition set off from Cape Town in South Africa on a mission to find the vessel, one month after the 100th anniversary of Sir Ernest’s death. Endurance was finally spotted at a depth of 3008 metres and some six kilometres south of the position recorded by the ship’s Captain Frank Worsley, according to the Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust. Even though the wreck has been sitting in water for more than a century, the expedition’s director of exploration said Endurance was “by far the finest wooden shipwreck” he has ever seen. Mensun Bound, who has now fulfilled a dream ambition in his near 50-year career, said: “We are overwhelmed by our good fortune in having located and captured images of Endurance. “This is a milestone in polar history.” The ship is said to look much the same as when it was photographed for the final time by Shackleton’s filmmaker, Frank Hurley, in 1915. The team even spotted some boots and crockery on board. Mr Bound told the BBC: “Beside the companion way, you can see a porthole that is Shackleton’s cabin. “We found the wreck a hundred years to the day after Shackleton’s funeral. I don’t usually go with this sort of stuff at all, but this one I found a bit spooky.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Huge congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/Endurance_22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Endurance_22</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/NatGeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NatGeo</a> for finding the wreck of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Shackleton?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Shackleton</a>’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Endurance?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Endurance</a>. The wreck is amazing but can we also talk about some of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Antarctic?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Antarctic</a> sea floor creatures that now call it home! Add any others you spot to the thread! (1) <a href="https://t.co/QULEJkoiW4">pic.twitter.com/QULEJkoiW4</a> — Huw Griffiths (@griffiths_huw) <a href="https://twitter.com/griffiths_huw/status/1501492716517171201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2022</a></blockquote> Dr John Shears, the expedition leader, described the moment cameras landed on the ship’s name as “jaw-dropping”. He said: “The discovery of the wreck is an incredible achievement. “We have successfully completed the world’s most difficult shipwreck search, battling constantly shifting sea-ice, blizzards, and temperatures dropping down to -18C. “We have achieved what many people said was impossible.” He added: “In addition, we have undertaken important scientific research in a part of the world that directly affects the global climate and environment.” Sir Ernest had set out to make the first land crossing of Antarctica - but he had to abandon the quest when Endurance was trapped and holed by sea-ice. The mission to find the lost ship was launched by the Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust using a South African icebreaker, Agulhas II - equipped with remotely operated submersibles. The shipwreck is a designated monument under the international Antarctic Treaty and must not be disturbed in any way. Deep-sea polar biologist Dr Michelle Taylor from Essex University said: “It would appear that there is little wood deterioration, inferring that the wood-munching animals found in other areas of our ocean are, perhaps unsurprisingly, not in the forest-free Antarctic region. The icebreaker is now on its way back to Cape Town. The team plan is to make a stop at the British Overseas Territory of South Georgia where Shackleton is buried to pay their respects. Image: Twitter

International Travel

The race to save up to 50 shipwrecks from looters in Southeast Asia

Natalia Pearson is a PhD Candidate in Museum and Heritage Studies at the University of Sydney. Recent research presented at a <a href="http://www.aima-underwater.org.au/conference2017/" target="_blank">maritime archaeology conference</a> has revealed at least 48 shipwrecks - including WWII ships and some post-war vessels - have been illicitly salvaged in Southeast Asia. This figure is an astonishing escalation from <a href="https://theconversation.com/ghost-ships-why-are-world-war-ii-naval-wrecks-vanishing-in-indonesia-72799" target="_blank">the handful of wrecks</a> already known to have been damaged or destroyed. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/09/images-reveal-three-more-japanese-wwii-shipwrecks-torn-apart-for-scrap" target="_blank">Japan</a> has lost the most wrecks. Other nations affected include Australia, America, the Netherlands, Britain, Germany and <a href="http://www.uwphotographyguide.com/illegal-salvage-seven-skies-wreck" target="_blank">Sweden</a>. However, sources close to the issue suggest that the figure may be much higher still, with one Chinese company claiming to have salvaged over 1,000 wrecks in the South China Sea. It is now a race against time to protect these wrecks and preserve the histories they embody. Museums can play a key role. For instance, exhibitions such as the Australian National Maritime Museum’s current <a href="http://www.anmm.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/on-now/guardians-of-sunda-strait" target="_blank">Guardians of Sunda Strait</a> testify to the continuing resonance of these ships’ stories even as the sites themselves are destroyed. This exhibition, which looks at the WWII loss of HMAS Perth and USS Houston, is made more poignant by the fact that <a href="https://theconversation.com/when-it-comes-to-disappearing-ocean-history-hmas-perth-is-the-tip-of-the-iceberg-78347" target="_blank">HMAS Perth</a>, in particular, has been heavily salvaged in recent years. The emotional echo of the stories of courage and sacrifice told here – such as that of HMAS Perth veteran <a href="http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Aug2013/People/222/Farewell-tribute-to-Arthur-Bancroft-A-legend-and-inspiration.htm#.WeW4EluCyUk" target="_blank">Arthur Bancroft</a>, who was shipwrecked not once but twice, and USS Houston’s <a href="http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ffg46/Pages/ourShip.aspx#.WeauTVuCyUk" target="_blank">Chaplain Rentz</a>, who insisted a young signalman take his lifejacket after the ship sank – is amplified, not diminished, by the accompanying contemporary tragedy. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/194722/original/file-20171115-11256-wy9plu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip"/> Touchstone objects Some countries, such as the US, have enacted <a href="https://www.history.navy.mil/research/underwater-archaeology/policy-and-resource-management/sunken-military-craft-act.html" target="_blank">legislation</a> to protect their sunken military craft, regardless of where they rest. At an international level, the 1982 UN <a href="http://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf" target="_blank">Law of the Sea</a> states that, unless explicitly abandoned, a flag state (the country where the vessel is registered) is entitled to <a href="https://ssl.law.uq.edu.au/journals/index.php/maritimejournal/article/viewFile/181/222" target="_blank">exclusive jurisdiction</a> over shipwrecks. This is also irrespective of whether the vessel sank in foreign waters or not. For ships that have not been completely destroyed, there is a strong case to be made for the recovery of “touchstone objects” such as the ship’s bell on naval vessels – an item with which every officer and sailor, irrespective of rank, would be familiar. In 2002, in response to concerns about the illicit salvaging of British wrecks in Malaysian waters, a team of Royal Navy divers oversaw the <a href="http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/news/shipsbells.html" target="_blank">recovery of the bell from HMS Prince of Wales</a>. This vessel was part of British naval squadron <a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/force-z-shipwrecks-of-the-south-china-sea-rod-macdonald/prod9781849950954.html" target="_blank">Force Z</a>, established to protect Britain’s colonial interests in Southeast Asia. The force was destroyed in 1941 by Japanese aircraft. Reports indicate that the illicit salvage of HMS Prince of Wales, as well as nearby <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/malaysia/11556924/Wreck-of-HMS-Repulse-rigged-with-scrap-metal-merchants-explosives.html" target="_blank">HMS Repulse</a>, is ongoing. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/194742/original/file-20171115-11313-wkey0i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip"/> Submerged for three decades, these ceramic plates from HMAS Perth were salvaged in the 1970s and eventually returned to the Royal Australian Navy. Such strategic recovery initiatives must be the prerogative of the flag state, and strict conditions would need to apply. In many countries, this would require legislative changes. In instances where sunken war vessels are known to be underwater graves, the recovery of objects would also need to be conducted in consultation with survivors and descendants. Snapping the past Although we now know that many wrecks have been damaged, there are still some that remain untouched and even unlocated. For instance, the whereabouts of <a href="https://silentworldfoundation.org.au/portfolio/ae1/" target="_blank">Australia’s first submarine</a>, AE1, remains a mystery. Meanwhile, near Savo Island in the Solomon Islands, HMAS Canberra rests upright and intact at the bottom of “Ironbottom Sound”. Scuttled after a damaging encounter with the Japanese in August 1942, the wreck was located in 1992 by Robert Ballard (better known for his discovery of RMS Titanic). There is also a mystery hanging over the ship: with some suggesting the possibility that it was the <a href="https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/general-books/military/The-Shame-of-Savo-Bruce-Loxton-with-Chris-Coulthard-Clark-9781864482867" target="_blank">victim of friendly fire</a>. It is not known whether HMAS Canberra is at risk from salvagers, but there is no question that the ship will eventually succumb to natural degradation. Well-preserved wrecks such as HMAS Canberra are prime candidates for one of the most exciting developments in maritime archaeology: digital preservation through photogrammetry. This involves a diver or a remote-operated vehicle taking thousands of photographs of a wreck and its debris field. These images are then digitally “stitched together” to create 3D visualisations, reconstructions and even replicas. There is significant potential for such technology in a museum environment, not least of all because it enables new audiences to virtually access wreck sites while eliminating the challenges of depth, currents and poor visibility. Photogrammetry also surmounts legal barriers to access. Curtin University’s <a href="http://www.curtin.edu.au/hive" target="_blank">HIVE</a> facility is using big data, sophisticated algorithms and the processing power of a supercomputer to <a href="http://news.curtin.edu.au/stories/big-data-big-ideas-at-the-helm/" target="_blank">digitally preserve</a> the wrecks of HMAS Sydney, lost in 1941 with all on board, and the German ship that sank her, HSK Kormoran. These wrecks are <a href="http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/historic-shipwrecks/protected-zones" target="_blank">protected sites</a> under <a href="http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/historic-shipwrecks/laws" target="_blank">Australian legislation</a>, and are not accessible by the general public. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/194719/original/file-20171115-30034-irx2zc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip"/> Sydney-Kormoran Project team members view 3D reconstructed models of HMAS Sydney II at the Curtin University HIVE. Image credit: Sam Proctor Nor is photogrammetry limited to those with access to a <a href="https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2016/05/WA-supercomputing-recreates-WWII-tragedy.aspx" target="_blank">supercomputer</a>. Maritime archaeologist Matt Carter is currently developing a 3D model of the <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/divers-create-3d-model-of-minisub-m24-sunk-after-sydney-harbour-raid-20170531-gwh5mh.html" target="_blank">Japanese mini-submarine M-24</a>, located off Sydney’s Bungan Head, using little more than high-resolution cameras, off-the-shelf software, and a lot of patience. Gone, but not forgotten The responsibilities of museums become more acute the more that heritage is threatened – not just by thieves and pirates, but by climate change, rising sea temperatures, the impact of both coastal and deep-sea development, and natural degradation. And, as with many terrestrial sites, underwater heritage is now increasingly threatened by <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11457-015-9133-4" target="_blank">the effects of tourism</a>. Heritage objects and sites are not ends in themselves. The real value of these things and places is in how they can be used to make meaning, to reflect on the past, and to translate and interpret it anew for future generations. For me, the destruction of these 48 ships does not preclude their stories from being told. Illicit salvaging of underwater heritage, particularly the unauthorised disturbance of human remains, warrants strong condemnation. But our ability to derive meaning from these wrecks is not diminished by their absence. <a href="https://heritagefortransformation.wordpress.com/2016/04/04/why-cultural-heritage-is-not-at-risk-in-syria-or-anywhere/" target="_blank">Some scholars</a> even go so far as to propose that the destruction of heritage, as distressing as it is, provides an incentive for more active and conscious forms of remembrance. Written by Natali Pearson. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. <img width="1" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/86050/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation"/>

Cruising

Discovering Sydney’s hidden shipwrecks and mangroves

Robyn Kennedy loves to explore and photograph Sydney and surrounds. Her blog <a href="http://www.lifeoutandabout.com.au/" target="_blank">Life Out & About</a> has become a passion, sharing ideas for outings in and around Sydney - charming gardens, bush walks, art galleries and inspiring places to eat! Scattered along the mangrove shores of the Parramatta River are a number of rusted and crumbling old shipwrecks. These are the remnants of the former ship-breaking yard of Homebush Bay. The SS Ayrfield would have to be the most well known and photographed wreck with its rusty hulk and huge cargo of mangrove trees, often reflected beautifully in the still and glassy waters of the bay. In fact, it was one of those images that inspired our outing. Although we didn’t have the ‘glassy waters’ to capture the perfect reflection, it was still wonderful to see the Ayrfield on a brilliant sunny day! The area immediately adjacent to the river has been redeveloped as Bicentennial Park, where paths, boardwalks and cycling tracks wind their way through the park and the Badu Mangroves. Surrounded by the mangrove forest, and somewhat hidden from most visitors to the park is a thriving Waterbird Refuge, an added bonus when visiting the shipwrecks. Shipwrecks of Homebush Bay <img width="500" height="250" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40439/in-text-one_500x250.jpg" alt="In Text One (10)"/> Shipwreck Graveyard – Homebush Bay. Image credit: Robyn Kennedy We started our walk from the Badu Mangroves and finished at the SS Ayrfield shipwreck. Best access to the Badu Mangroves is adjacent to the last parking area in Bicentennial Park (P10f). Shipwrecks Heroic, Karangi, Mortlake Bank and Ayrfield are visible from the walking-cycling track that winds its way through the Badu Mangroves and Waterbird Refuge. Some of the wrecks appear to be adrift within the mangrove forest, like lost souls unable to find their way out, left to perish in the muddy salty waters. I found the mangrove forest atmosphere to be a little eerie at times, although an ideal resting place for these rusted old hulks! At the end of the Waterbird Refuge is an old wooden ship-breaking ramp with a viewing platform. From here you have a close up view of the Karangi, as well as views across the bay to Ayrfield and Mortlake Bank. Ref: <a href="http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/heritagebranch/maritime/shipwreckshomebush.pdf" target="_blank">History of the Shipwrecks</a> 1. Shipwreck – SS Heroic <img width="500" height="185" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40441/in-text-two_500x185.jpg" alt="In Text Two (9)"/> Homebush Bay Shipwreck – SS Heroic. Image credit: Robyn Kennedy It’s hard to tell where the tugboat SS Heroic finishes and the mangrove trees start, they appear to be as one! Viewed from the track and through the mangrove forest, this is the first shipwreck we sighted. We loved the character of this old wreck with its rotting timber and rusting hulk reflecting shades of copper in the surrounding waters. 2. Shipwreck – HMAS Karangi <img width="500" height="185" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40442/in-text-three_500x185.jpg" alt="In Text Three (2)"/> Homebush Bay Shipwreck – HMAS Karangi. Image credit: Robyn Kennedy The location of the steel boom defence vessel HMAS Karangi reminds me a little of being lost in the Amazon jungle! Run aground within the mangroves and unable to escape, this hulk lays decaying in the mangrove forest mud. 3. Shipwreck – SS Mortlake Bank <img width="500" height="185" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40444/in-text-four_500x185.jpg" alt="In Text Four (2)"/> Homebush Bay Shipwreck – SS Mortlake Bank. Image credit: Robyn Kennedy While other wrecks lay hidden in the mangrove forest, the steam collier SS Mortlake Bank sits proudly on the bay. We viewed the wreck from the viewing platform near the Karangi. The cargo of weeds and grass was glowing brilliantly in the afternoon sun. If you walk beyond SS Ayrfield you may find better views from further around the bay. 4. Shipwreck – SS Ayrfield <img width="500" height="185" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40445/in-text-five_500x185.jpg" alt="In Text Five (2)"/> Shipwreck – SS Ayrfield. Image credit: Robyn Kennedy For the best views of the steam collier SS Ayrfield, follow the walking track through the Badu Mangroves, past the Waterbird Refuge. When the track meets Bennelong Parkway, turn right and cross the bridge. On the far side of the bridge there’s a path to the right that follows the waterway to the bay… continue along this path for a few minutes and the view above will be yours! If you prefer to take the easy option, drive to the Archery Centre car park on Bennelong Parkway and access the same path mentioned above. There may also be another path directly opposite the car park that leads down to the waters edge. Waterbird Refuge The main reason for visiting the area was to see the shipwrecks, however the <a href="http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/things_to_do_and_see_events/bird_watching" target="_blank">Waterbird Refuge</a> was definitely another highlight of our outing… an excellent location for bird watching in Sydney. <img width="500" height="185" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40446/in-text-six_500x185.jpg" alt="In Text Six (1)"/> Waterbird Refuge at Homebush Bay. Image credit: Robyn Kennedy After following the Badu Mangroves track for 10 or so minutes we came across the first bird hide, where we were able to view large flocks of birds resting and feeding around the lake. The water was heavily carpeted in what appeared to be a bright yellow algae. With the lake edge covered in brilliant gold and pink grasses it really was a beautiful site in the late afternoon light, especially with the water reflecting a silvery blue. It was hard to believe we were in the heart of Sydney! The Badu Mangroves <img width="500" height="185" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40448/in-text-seven_500x185.jpg" alt="In Text Seven"/> Badu Mangroves at Homebush Bay. Image credit: Robyn Kennedy As well as providing a resting place for some of the old shipwrecks, the Badu <a href="http://www.aims.gov.au/docs/projectnet/mangroves-more-than.html" target="_blank">Mangroves</a> form a protective layer around the waterbird refuge. The walking-cycle track through the mangroves is very peaceful… there were only a handful of cyclists and walkers when we visited. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to explore the zigzag boardwalk through the mangroves, however we did venture far enough to recognize that we wanted to return to do this walk – maybe at high tide when the water is lapping below the boardwalk. Have you ever explored this interesting part of Sydney? Hero image credit: Robyn Kennedy

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