The state of the world is tense as of late from a geopolitical point of view. As conflicts-both external and internal arise, a forgotten detrimental casualty of war is none other than our oceans.
Naval warfare, loosely defined as combat, or warfare taking place on major bodies of water, is known to be one of the most damaging causes of ocean pollution. It disrupts marine life, ocean pH (causing ocean acidification) and coastal lives. This degradation is not seen or understood by many, but that does not mean it doesn’t exist.
In today’s world especially, naval warfare has become a concern for ocean life as it leads to ocean toxicity, as thousands of sunken ships lay on the seabed and corrode, which releases oil, gas and chemicals into the sea which harm ocean life. This alters marine pH and CO2 levels and hence may have direct effects on corals and marine animals. According to Pax for Peace, “Millions of tons of dumped conventional and chemical munitions lie on the seabed, thousands of shipwrecks from the World Wars are slowly deteriorating, making them ticking toxic time bombs.”
Moreover, active combat over sea bodies lead to oil spills due to destruction of oil infrastructure. Oil spills also have devastating effects on the ocean, as evinced during the Gulf War, when the world’s second largest oil spill took place. This shows that conflicts come at the cost of the environment.
Underwater explosions are also likely to do massive damage and destruction to marine animals, proving to us that marine animals are likely to take the most massive hit when it comes to naval warfare. Naval warfare remains relevant in today’s world, when it is of utmost importance to preserve our aquatic species and plants.
Most importantly, seas carry damage. Hence, destruction done in one part of the ocean disrupts other oceans and seas and ultimately deteriorates marine life all over the world. Migratory patterns are disrupted, and marine animals lose their home. Our source for transportation, food, water and most other necessities will forever be lost as the ecosystem degrades and ocean health worsens.
This problem has long gone ignored as often only the casualties of war are observed, such as land and infrastructure being destroyed, and human lives being taken. Although we can’t see the casualties of war on the ocean, it very much exists and is impossible to ignore. Ignorance becomes our greatest enemy as it has and may continue to cost us essentials required to sustain life.
Saving the Blue Heart 
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