Resource Degradation and Corrosion

the turrent of the uss monitor being lifted out of the ocean
The USS Monitor turret was removed in 2002; conservation is underway to reduce the effects of corrosion. Photo: NOAA

Conservation Issue

Analysis of the potential for corrosion among submerged historical material is required to make informed management decisions regarding Monitor National Marine Sanctuary (MNMS) and aid in predictive modeling.

Description

The USS Monitor and the historical resources within the region are considered non-renewable resources. Water quality, climate change, biological distribution, and other factors all potentially impact historical resources within a marine ecosystem. Resources off the coast of North Carolina exist in a wide range of environmental conditions, all which have a different effect on the severity and rate of corrosion. Strategy RM-1 of the Resource Monitoring Action Plan section of the MNMS management plan highlights a need to collect new data on the shipwreck to better understand these factors and enable managers to make informed decisions regarding future management and potential survey work.

Data and Analysis Needs

  1. Environmental factors that influence corrosion

Potential Products

  • Regional model that could be indicative of corrosion rates for a broad range of resources based on known factors
  • Predictive model of corrosion rates for potential management decision use
  • Scientific papers and reports
  • Potential mitigation recommendations
  • Maps and GIS distribution models
  • Communication and outreach materials aimed at stakeholder and community member audiences that that focus on resource degradation issues
fish swimming over the wreck of the uss monitor
The wreck of the USS Monitor, a Civil War era ironclad, is a valuable historical resource. Chemical and biological factors can affect corrosion rates for historical resources like the USS Monitor. Improved understanding of these factors will aid in determining appropriate and effective management strategies for MNMS resources. Photo: NOAA

For more information about this assessment, contact monitor@noaa.gov.