How Oceanology Safeguards Marine Traditions
Our oceans are living archives of human history and culture. From ancient shipwrecks and submerged cities to traditional fishing practices and coastal rituals, marine heritage is a vital part of our global identity. Yet, this legacy is increasingly under threat.
Climate change, industrial activity, and unsustainable exploitation are accelerating the loss of irreplaceable maritime traditions and underwater sites. As we look to the future, protecting this legacy requires a deeper understanding of the ocean’s past and a commitment to preserving it through collaborative effort and innovative solutions.
In this article
Why marine heritage matters
In its’ 19th annual meeting of the South-East European Experts Network on Intangible Cultural Heritage titled ‘Bridging tangible and intangible cultural heritage: Synergies between the UNESCO 1972 and 2003 Conventions’, UNESCO recognises that marine heritage encompasses both tangible and intangible elements. Tangible aspects include:
- historic shipwrecks,
- submerged settlements,
- and traditional fishing vessels
On the other hand, intangible heritage spans:
- oral histories,
- navigational knowledge
- and coastal rituals
Together, these elements offer a window into the long-standing relationship between people and the sea, reflecting how communities have adapted to and shaped their marine environments over centuries.
Marine heritage and its role in ocean management
Beyond its cultural significance, marine heritage plays a vital role in shaping contemporary ocean management.
By studying historical interactions with marine ecosystems, scientists and policymakers can draw on traditional ecological knowledge to inform sustainable practices. For instance, indigenous communities have long employed resource management strategies—such as seasonal fishing bans and habitat protection—that align with modern conservation goals.
Recent research shows that including cultural values (like marine heritage) when planning how we use and protect the ocean helps create strategies that are not only environmentally effective but also support local communities and their well-being. Furthermore, legal frameworks such as the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage are still relevant within broader ocean governance strategies, reinforcing the role of heritage in sustainable development.
Threats to ocean heritage
Despite its significance, marine heritage is increasingly vulnerable. Climate change is the most pressing threat, with rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events accelerating the degradation of underwater sites and coastal landmarks.
Industrial activities such as bottom trawling, deep-sea mining, and offshore drilling further endanger underwater cultural heritage (UCH). These practices disturb the seabed, damaging fragile archaeological remains and releasing pollutants from potentially polluting wrecks (PPWs)—sunken vessels that still contain hazardous materials like oil.
The cumulative impact of these threats is profound. According to UNESCO, around 70% of marine World Heritage sites are already under threat from climate change, and many lack the resources or scientific data to respond effectively.
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How technology aids the conservation of ocean heritage
In the face of these challenges, ocean technology is emerging as a powerful ally in the preservation of marine heritage. Tools such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), multibeam sonar, and 3D photogrammetry are revolutionising the field of underwater archaeology.
These technologies allow researchers to map and monitor submerged sites with unprecedented precision. For instance, multibeam sonar has been used for seafloor mapping, while AUVs can access deep-sea locations while being controlled by someone on the surface.
At Oceanology International, these innovations are brought to life through live dockside demonstrations and showcases by leading marine technology providers such as Teledyne Marine, Saab Seaeye, and Fugro. These companies are at the forefront of developing tools that not only advance scientific discovery but also support the protection of cultural and ecological marine assets.
Empowering coastal communities and the blue economy
Preserving marine heritage is not solely the domain of archaeologists and scientists. Coastal communities play a pivotal role in safeguarding their local marine environments. Across the globe, community-led conservation initiatives are proving to be highly effective.
An example of this is Rare’s Fish Forever programme, which operates in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. As part of its community-driven efforts, this non-profit organisation (NGO) helps small nearshore fisheries establish sustainable fishing practices, resulting in more effective marine conservation in these areas.
Technology also supports sustainable fishing and marine tourism, key pillars of the blue economy. Innovations such as smart fishing gear, electronic monitoring systems, and AI-driven species tracking help reduce bycatch, improve compliance, and ensure the long-term viability of marine resources.
A shared responsibility looking ahead
The preservation of marine heritage is a collective endeavour. It requires the collaboration of marine scientists, archaeologists, engineers, policymakers, and local communities. By integrating traditional knowledge with technological innovation, we can develop more resilient and inclusive conservation strategies.
As the ocean faces unprecedented change, platforms that foster dialogue and innovation play a crucial role in shaping the future of marine heritage protection. Through shared knowledge and innovative tools, we can ensure that the stories, skills, and ecosystems of the sea endure for generations to come.
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Saltwater
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About the Oceanology International Portfolio
Oceanology International – Connecting the global ocean technology, engineering and science communities
Oceanology International (Oi) is the global forum where the ocean industry, academia and government connect to discover innovative solutions from the ocean technology and marine science communities to improve strategies for exploring, protecting and sustainably operating in the world’s oceans and waterways. Held at ExCeL London, Oi brings together ocean professionals, facilitates ocean connections and showcases ocean innovation and technology.
www.oceanologyinternational.com
Oi exhibition and conference incorporates various events and features, including:
- COAST - The Coastal and Shallow Water Zone
New for 2026, COAST at Oceanology International offers exhibitors a unique platform to showcase their solutions, technologies, and expertise to a highly targeted and engaged audience from across the global coastal and shallow water community.
- Conference Program – Diving deep into the realm of ocean science and marine technology
Featuring a compelling line-up of industry-leading speakers, the full strategic Oi Conference Program encompasses a diverse range of Technical Sessions and Ocean Futures-focused content across different conference locations. World-class scientists, thought leaders and innovators in the vanguard of the global ocean technology community will converge to bring insightful and original content.
- Ocean Futures Theatre – Meeting future ocean technology needs
Thought leaders from industry, academia and government come together to discuss meeting future ocean technology needs in line with market developments and new ocean enterprise strategies. Held in the keynote Ocean Futures Theatre within Oi, it features panel discussions and strategic debates on topics including Transitioning the Ocean Economy, Sustainable Offshore Operations, BlueTech Investment and Future Talent/Careers.
- Dockside Demonstrations
Oceanology International’s dockside activity is a hallmark feature of the event, offering visitors live, in-water demonstrations of the latest ocean technology and equipment. Attendees have the unique opportunity to see cutting-edge remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous systems, sonar, imaging, and hydrographic survey tools in real-world action, guided by experts. These demonstrations take place at the Royal Victoria Dock, where multiple brands and vessels showcase novel capabilities—allowing participants to closely observe technological innovations and interact with operators, all with the goal of experiencing emerging solutions for marine and subsea applications firsthand.
About RX
RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.
For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.
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RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.
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