Part One: Shipwrecks and Pollution – Now and Then
The first of three talks on ‘Shipwreck and Rescue’ marking our new exhibition, Forgotten Wrecks of the First World War, Kevan Cook explores the potential pollution problems presented by historic and modern shipwrecks.
From the late 1800s more and more ships carried oils, chemicals and explosive, so every ship lost at sea became a potential source of harmful pollutants. Recent research has attempted to investigate these historic wrecks to quantify the threat to the natural environment as their iron hulls deteriorate. Even now, our coastal waters are at risk from modern shipwrecks, lost containers and other potential pollutants. Kevan Cook, Marine Operations Specialist for Natural England and Chair of the Cornwall Standing Environment Group, will explore these topics and give an insight to how we respond to marine pollution, historic or modern.
Free admission to Ideas Cafe talk and ‘Forgotten Wrecks of the First World War’ exhibition. Head to the Museum for 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start.