Sunken WWII ships have become homes for marine species, posing both ecological benefits and risks. Explore these underwater habitats.
In March of 1942, the U.S. was only a few months into the Second World War. Already, German submarines lurked near the Atlantic coast, hunting for supply freighters and battleships. Late in the month, a U-71 detected theThe submarine fired two torpedoes at the target. Within a minute, the tanker was ablaze and sinking. Twenty-two crew members made it to safety; 11 died in the attack.
Studying shipwrecks has advanced in the last century to include a variety of disciplines, including archaeology, ecology, engineering, and oceanography.In some instances, scientists have found shipwrecks to be an “ecological treasure,” says Avery Paxton, research marine biologist at NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science.
Shipwrecks can attract microorganisms and small creatures like sponges and corals. Fish of all sizes use shipwrecks as feeding grounds or places to hide. During migrations, sharks might use a sunken ship to rest during their journey, making some sunken ships the oceanic version of a highway rest stop.When a sunken ship reaches the seafloor, Paxton says it’s not forming its own habitat. “It’s sinking on to a habitat. Over time, it becomes part of the habitat,” she says.
“It’s almost like these wrecks begin a second life. They have their first life in service, especially for WWII vessels, then when they wreck, they begin a second life,” Paxton says.
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