Experts on the hidden dangers at the bottom of the Baltic Sea

“Hidden ‘Treasures’ of the Baltic Sea” under expert scrutiny. International debate on wrecks and submerged munitions during the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2026 in Tallinn
Experts from the Baltic Sea Region discussed environmental threats hidden on the seabed

During the international EUSBSR Annual Forum 2026 in Tallinn, a panel session was held dedicated to one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the Baltic Sea Region – shipwrecks and submerged munitions lying on the seabed.

The panel “Hidden ‘Treasures’ of the BSR – Munitions and Wrecks in the Sea: Risks, Challenges and Solutions” was co-organised by partners of the BaltWreck project in cooperation with partners of European initiatives focused on marine environmental safety and mitigating risks related to hazardous objects on the Baltic seabed.

Shipwrecks and submerged munitions as a real threat to the Baltic Sea

Experts participating in the debate emphasised that historical shipwrecks and ammunition resting on the seabed of the Baltic Sea pose an increasing challenge to the natural environment, the maritime economy, and regional safety.

Progressive corrosion of wrecks may lead to the release of hazardous substances into the marine environment, affecting Baltic ecosystems and living organisms. As a result, monitoring activities, risk assessment, and the development of safe mitigation methods are becoming increasingly important.

The session was prepared in cooperation between partners of the BaltWreck, MMinE-SwEEPER, MUNIMAP, ENDURE, and MUNIRISK projects, which share the common goal of strengthening international cooperation in the field of Baltic Sea environmental protection.

International group of experts and research institutions

The debate brought together representatives of public administration, academia, and organisations engaged in environmental safety in the Baltic Sea Region:

• Nora S. Klasen
• Michał Czub
• Adam Cenian
• Erik Hanstein
• Marcin Żuchowski

The session was opened by Louise Floman, while the panel was moderated by Katarzyna Fidler.

International cooperation as a key to protecting the Baltic Sea

Throughout the discussion, it was repeatedly stressed that effective response to threats posed by wrecks and submerged munitions requires close cooperation between Baltic Sea Region countries, exchange of expert knowledge, and joint development of modern environmental risk management approaches.

The debate combined a high level of substantive expertise with an accessible presentation of issues related to maritime safety and environmental protection. It also provided a space for knowledge exchange between representatives of projects implemented across different parts of the Baltic Sea Region.

The BaltWreck project supports Baltic Sea environmental safety

The BaltWreck project focuses on reducing risks associated with shipwrecks and hazardous substances lying on the seabed of the Baltic Sea. Activities implemented within the project include environmental monitoring, risk analysis, and the development of marine ecosystem protection methods.

Participation in the Tallinn conference provided an opportunity to promote project activities, strengthen international cooperation, and contribute to joint discussions on the future of environmental safety in the Baltic Sea Region.

Photo: Jolanta Olszewska