Vulnerability of Shipwreck Sites in Indonesian Waters

Research Institute for Coastal Resources and Vulnerability, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, has been conducting multidisciplinary researches on vulnerability of shipwreck sites in Indonesian waters since 2011. Shipwreck sites in Indonesia are vulnerable to natural and human factors that threaten their preservation. The identified natural threats include natural disasters and processes such as earthquake, tsunami, volcanic activity, ocean dynamics, extreme weather and coastline changes. Meanwhile, human disturbances that endanger the sites are treasure hunting, metal scavenging, fishing, development programmes such as clearing sea lanes and port development, as well as mass tourism activities. Some shipwrecks are also susceptible to marine litters and oil spills.