News
Oceanic climate change and underwater archaeology

The identification of major environmental threats to cultural heritage and the built environment has been one of the core strands of our National Heritage Protection Plan with work already begun to assess the potential effects of climate change on the historic environment.
We already know that climate change is likely to mean that the UK will experience hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters. There is a likelihood of increased drought, heatwaves, changes in seasonal precipitation and the intensity of weather events such as rainfall leading to flooding.
To date though there has been very little consideration given to how climate change might affect archaeological remains underwater. Even at a European level, there is a paucity of references to underwater cultural heritage within studies of climate change impacts: most recently, the EU-funded Climate for Culture project addressed only the built heritage.
It is already accepted that for the UK’s marine environment the impacts of climate change include relative sea level rise, increased seawater temperatures, ocean acidification and changes in ocean circulation which will affect underwater cultural heritage.
In the 20th century, the average level of the UK seas rose by some 14 cm. UK Climate Projections of UK coastal sea level rise (not including land movement) for 2095 range from 12 to 76 cm, with an extreme scenario for sea level rise in the range of 93 cm to 1.9 m by 2100.
Throughout this period, the effect of sea level rise on archaeological diving projects will be to incrementally reduce the amount of time (and therefore productivity) an air-breathing diver can spend underwater safely. For example, a 20% increase in diving depth can result in a 32% decrease in dive time.
UK waters have warmed over the past 50 years, at least partly because of human-induced climate change. UK Climate Projections indicates that UK shelf seas will be 1.5 to 4 °C warmer by the end of the 21st century. The upper ocean to the west and north of the UK has become saltier since a fresh period in the 1970s, but trends within the shelf seas are less clear. However, ‘warmer oceans’ indicates more energetic oceans so that erosion in shallow-water contexts may be enhanced, controlled by the seabed topography around the UK.
One particular effect of ocean warming already visible in UK waters is the northward migration of invasive species; of particular interest is the blacktip shipworm Lyrodus pedicellatus. Lyrodus p. is a species of shipworm that is active all year and has begun to invade the UK from more southerly latitudes as a result of sea temperature increase. It has been recorded off Cornwall, Langstone Harbour in Hampshire and on the Mary Rose protected wreck site in the Solent and in 2005 it was recorded on the coast at Sandwich, Kent. Considered to be a major threat to wooden wrecks and other wooden structures, the GB Non-native Species Secretariat (NNSS) does not yet identify Lyrodus p. as an invasive species to the UK.
The oceans play an important role in mitigating climate change, taking up and storing about a quarter of anthropogenic CO2 emissions through a combination of biological processes, solubility, and circulation patterns. However, dissolving excess atmospheric CO2 in surface waters has already noticeably increased their acidity and this may in turn affect the ocean’s ability to take up further CO2. Further chemical changes to the oceans will ultimately depend on the emissions pathway that society takes.
The direct effects of acidification upon the stability and condition of exposed wooden structures and iron and steel shipwrecks are not well understood, though decreases in ocean pH have the potential to increase current rates of metal corrosion.
It is believed that changes in ocean temperatures and wind patterns, resulting from the combined effects of overall climate change, will affect and alter oceanic currents. However, the large-scale circulation of the Atlantic, which helps to maintain the relatively temperate climate of Northern Europe, has shown high variability in recent years but no clear trend.
Other circulation patterns are likely to be as variable in the future as they are today, being mainly controlled by the complex topography of the seabed around the UK, as well as by highly variable tides, winds and density differences.
Understanding the impacts and effects of climate change is necessary to help us manage the marine historic environment in the future. We are therefore planning work to firstly understand the full extent of invasion by the Lyrodus p. shipworm and secondly to better understand the effects of chemical attrition on archaeological remains underwater by working with the UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme.
We need to ensure that we take full account of the findings of the latest UK Climate Change Risk Assessment, relevant national adaptation programmes and the latest set of UK Climate Projections. We also need to be mindful about balancing the scale of the effects or possible effects of oceanic climate change and we recognise that more work needs to be done to clarify this balance so that our priorities can be determined.
News
Aggressor Adventures Announces Major Savings on 2025 Philippines Charters

Dive Into Paradise for Less – Save Up to $2,000 on Upcoming Adventures!
Aggressor Adventures® is excited to unveil major limited-time savings for divers planning their dream escape to the Philippines. From now until June 30, 2025, guests can take advantage of up to $2,000 in savings on select Philippines Aggressor and Philippines Aggressor II itineraries.
These deep discounts span across both 7-night, 10-night and 11-night trips, giving adventurers greater flexibility and value while exploring some of the most biodiverse waters on the planet.
SAVE $2,000 – PHILIPPINES AGGRESSOR II
Celebrate with a $2,000 savings!
Booking Window: Now through June 30, 2025
Eligible Trip:
- October 4 – 14, 2025
SAVE $1,500 – PHILIPPINES AGGRESSOR
On select charter dates:
Booking Window: Now through June 30, 2025
Eligible Trips:
- June 29 – July 10, 2025 (11-night Transition trip)
- November 8 – 18, 2025 (10-night)
SAVE $1,000 – PHILIPPINES AGGRESSOR
On select 7-night charters:
Booking Window: Now through June 30, 2025
Eligible Trips:
- November 1 – 8, 2025
- December 6 – 13, 2025
“Aggressor’s Philippines itineraries are among the most vibrant and diverse in the world,” says Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures. “These new specials give more travelers the opportunity to explore thriving coral reefs, pelagic encounters, and spectacular macro life at a fraction of the cost.”
Guests will enjoy Aggressor’s signature five-star service, spacious staterooms, world-class diving amenities, chef-prepared meals, and much more. These special offers are only available for a limited time and are expected to fill quickly.
About Aggressor Adventures
Since 1984, Aggressor Adventures® has offered travelers live-aboard scuba and snorkeling charters, luxury river cruises and exotic wildlife and cultural safaris. To learn more, visit Aggressor’s Media Hub, listen to its podcast series, view videos on Aggressor.TV and browse the new catalog. Worldwide locations are Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Islands, Cocos Island, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Galapagos, Komodo, Indonesia, Maldives, Palau, Philippines, Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Red Sea, Roatan, Honduras, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Turks & Caicos. Reservations can be made online at aggressor.com, or by calling 800-348-2628 or +1-706-993-2531.
News
Explorer Ventures Launches Hot Summer / Cool Prices Sale

Save up to $1100 on select liveaboard dive trips from June through October 2025
Explorer Ventures Fleet is turning up the heat with its new Hot Summer / Cool Prices sale. For a limited time, divers can save $1000 or more on select liveaboard departures from June through October 2025.
Whether you’re ready to dive into crystal-clear summer waters or planning a cool fall escape, this promotion offers major savings on world-class dive adventures in the Galápagos, Turks & Caicos, and the Caribbean.
Hot Summer / Cool Prices – For the Summer Dive Traveler:
From June through August, take advantage of deep discounts on summer getaways. Enjoy up to $1100 off select trips aboard the Humboldt Explorer in the Galápagos or save $1000 on select summer departures aboard Turks & Caicos Explorer Il and Caribbean Explorer II, exploring magic of Saba and St. Kitts.
Cool Fall / Hot Prices – For Travel in the Fall:
Leave the cool weather and falling leaves behind — fall is the perfect time to head south and save. Take $1000 off select departures from September through October aboard Turks & Caicos Explorer II and Caribbean Explorer II.
See all details and departure dates: www.explorerventures.com/discounts-and-specials
Space is limited – and once the trips are full, the savings are gone. Book now to secure your spot!
Looking for other dates or destinations? There are more savings available across the fleet, including liveaboard diving holidays in Indonesia, the Maldives, the Red Sea, and Palau. Explore all current deals here: https://www.explorerventures.com/year-of-savings-dive-liveaboard-specials/
Contact:
1.800.322.3577 (US/Canada) | +1.307.235.0683
About Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet
Since 1987, Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet has been delivering world-class liveaboard diving, blending authentic experiences with a commitment to safety and sustainability. Operating in some of the world’s most breathtaking underwater destinations, their fleet of well-appointed vessels ensures every guest enjoys the highest level of comfort and care.
Explorer Ventures is proud to be the first liveaboard company to collaborate with Green Fins, earning certifications on four vessels: Caribbean Explorer II, Turks & Caicos Explorer II, Tiburon Explorer, and Humboldt Explorer. Notably, Tiburon Explorer and Humboldt Explorer are the only PADI Eco Centers designated in the Galápagos, underscoring their dedication to sustainable and responsible diving practices. With exceptional destinations, a global array of itineraries, and diver-focused design across the fleet, every voyage is crafted for comfort, convenience, and adventure—both above and below the surface.
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