In recent months, the sea has featured prominently and consistently in the news, generally in relation to problems, catastrophes or other bad news, for example, the effects of climate change and storms on coastal structures (railways in danger, promenades that have been destroyed, beaches that are disappearing, and more). The news also talks about the sea in relation to disputes about how the coastline itself is occupied (between sports clubs, leisure activities, tourism, hospitality, and more). And in a very bloody way, every day there is news about wars, fleet movements, weapons tests and even military actions.
Those of us who love the sea, in particular us as a maritime museum that strives to offer a comprehensive and inclusive viewpoint, want to be up to date with what is happening and what seems to be happening. We do not have enough time to compile all the news, comments, analyses and forecasts. Argo, as a maritime culture magazine, strives to stay up to date, without setting aside our focus on the heritage if the sea, but we cannot devote much space to the latest issues. However, we can take advantage of our pages to make a suggestion.
The fact that the sea features in newspapers, television and digital media does not always match a widespread social interest in maritime matters. Our recurring complaint is that our community ignores or underestimates the importance of maritime matters, despite the fact that they are constantly present. This is what is called maritime blindness. It may seem paradoxical, but it is a fact.
We propose using the avalanche of information as an opportunity to educate others and to insist on the importance of maritime matters in all aspects of life. We must ride the wave of information and look for spaces and resources that allow us to connect what is happening and what has already happened. We must take advantage of any opportunity to bring the wind into our sails and to appreciate this vision of the world from the sea.
Greenland, Iran, China, Ukraine… A large majority of the territories in conflict right now have a common denominator: the strategic importance of their coasts, their ports, maritime transport and, most importantly, the control over it all.
