Truk Lagoon is arguably the world's premiere wreck diving location. Boasting dozens of wrecks (destroyers, transports, cargo, subs, tugs, carriers, tankers and other vessels) in her waters, the island's economy centers around these sunken ships. However, Micronesia's greatest asset may also be its greatest liability: massive oil leaks from the tankers, destroyers, and other WWII relics are threatening the island's coastline.

Local blast fishermen have illegally fished the area for decades, causing damage to the wrecks. Consequently, the wreck's disintegrating hulls are beginning to leak diesel fuel, oil, and other toxic chemicals. According to Joe Konno, former Director of the Truk Environmental Protection Agency, "If one of those ships happens to break loose in the lagoon or on the reef, you can imagine the damage it will cause from the loads of fuel being released."

Although Micronesia profits from the vessels through tourism revenue, maritime law dictates that Japan still owns the sunken ships and planes. Together, these two governments will have to come to a solution --and swiftly! -- otherwise these diver's dreams may mutate into environmentalist's nightmares.

[Via Newsvine; image courtesy skooba_diver]