Salvage refers to the process of recovering valuable items from damaged or discarded materials. This can include anything from shipwrecks to old buildings, where items like furniture, artifacts, or metals can be retrieved and reused. Salvage operations often aim to minimize waste and promote sustainability by repurposing materials that would otherwise be thrown away. In maritime contexts, salvage specifically involves recovering a ship or its cargo after an accident. Salvage teams may work to retrieve cargo from sunken vessels or to prevent further environmental damage. This practice is essential for protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring that valuable resources are not lost.