Dumped conventional warfare (munition) catalog of the Baltic Sea

Presented paper describes the dumped conventional munition catalog that provides up-to-date information about potential hazardous objects lied on the seafloor. Specific aspects of particular types of marine historical ordnance were identified and analyzed, along with a way to catalog objects for their further presentation and development of the program (software). The article discusses the contemporary state of underwater objects from both conflicts using an example of ammunition extracted from Polish maritime areas (Gulf of Gdańsk mainly since the specific role of this basin during World War II). Impact on the maritime environment in terms of human activities together with ecological aspects were outlined. The effects of research and experience on the activities of naval forces and NATO task groups carrying out cyclical actions to destroy underwater objects in the Baltic Sea waters were presented. The role of emerging autonomous technologies for the neutralization of dangerous underwater objects was emphasized as an element that increases the efficiency of such activities. •Dumped conventional munition catalog can be a useful tool for broad variety of sea users.•Underwater hazardous objects present the different levels of danger, both for people and to the natural environment.•Dumped sites determine the condition of hazardous objects hulls and cases.•Despite the lapse of 85 years since the end of World War II, ammunition and dangerous objects should still be regarded as functional.•Because of historical role, Gulf of Gdańsk is very specific basin with differentiated character of underwater hazardous objects.