A Global Prospective On Underwater Munitions

Abstract

This article introduces an issue of the Marine Technology Society Journal focused on the understanding and ongoing exchange of information on underwater munitions. In June 2003, the Canadian Standing Senate Committee for Fisheries and Oceans on Fish Habitat listened to a panel of witnesses urgently request greater federal involvement from entities other than the Department of National Defense in addressing the issue of underwater munitions in both Canadian and international waters. When there was a lack of response from governments, as well as the United Nations, the First International Conference on Chemical and Conventional Munitions convened in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in October 2007. Over 190 delegates from 14 countries affected by underwater munitions attended the conference and collectively submitted more than 50 papers. The author discusses the history of underwater munitions and explores relationships among international stakeholders which allow them to build on each others' experiences. The increasing awareness of and interest in identification and assessment of potential risks to human health and the environment by underwater munitions is explored.