More than 37,000 sunken ships are recorded in England's territorial sea, a legacy of more than 6,000 years of maritime trade, exploration and warfare. Of these, just 46 enjoy the protection of the law in England - a tiny proportion that in turn face the pressures of the natural elements and commercial exploitation of the seabed. Their survival depends on sound management and the shared commitment of all the users of the seabed.
The Current Situation
Wrecks are vulnerable to both environmental and human impacts. Because they are often in remote locations, their management can be challenging and changes to their condition are difficult to anticipate.
In 2011 English Heritage once again audited all 46 designated wreck sites to better understand their condition and vulnerability. As a result, seven sites (15%) were deemed to be most at risk and are included on the national Heritage at Risk Register - an overall reduction of one since 2010.
As a result of monitoring work funded by English Heritage and others combined with environmental changes, it has been possible for the site of the Swash Channel and Hazardous wrecks to be removed from the Register but Heritage Crime has caused the Holland No. 5 submarine to be added. The causes of risks to the remaining sites range from unauthorised access to erosion and damage.
The Challenge Ahead
Although English Heritage has a statutory power to allocate funds to promote the preservation and maintenance of Protected Wreck Sites (as with other marine monuments), our financial resources can only solve a small fraction of the problems. Other partners will also play a vital role in stabilising these important sites: concerted effort by owners, local government as well as national government departments and agencies and the organisations that make decisions about our environment can make a real difference.
In spite of the inherent difficulties with caring for this type of site, careful management must be maintained if we are to pass them on to future generations in as good condition as reasonably possible.
