Page 124 - Manual for Activities directed at the Underwater Cultural Heritage

© MMARP. Hull remains being covered with sandbags by divers to prevent intrusion, Montenegro. During the Montenegrin Maritime Archaeology Research Project (MMARP), a 7 m long section
of modern hull remains were exposed for documentation in the small bay of Bigovica, Montenegro. After documentation, the wood hull was covered to prevent intrusion from recreational divers and damage from open exposure to the elements. Re-used grain bags were filled with sediment from near the site by divers and then laid over the wood with a mixture of sand infill amongst
the bags.The bags were then secured by a layer of sand and small stones. Here, Dejo Drasković (left) and Dr. Athena Trakadas (right) adjust some of the sand bags during the final stages of
the covering process (September 2010). 
(h) Scientific reporting. Scientific publication is the only way of advancing knowledge and obtaining conclusions that can then be presented to society. See Rules 30 and 31.
(i) Dissemination. All the hard work done and the money spent would be of no avail if we failed to provide society with clear, accessible and reliable information on its past. It is the effort of dissemination that engages society with the work to protect this heritage, and public commitment depends upon a sense of ownership. See Rules 35 and 36.
Techniques for in situ
preservation
In deploying a policy for the protection of un- derwater cultural heritage, it is sometimes useful to temporarily consolidate an important site. A lot can be achieved with very simple techniques, but more extensive measures may be necessary if the aim is to consolidate a site for longer periods or to make sure that public access is compatible with protection and management. Examples of techniques used for site stabilization and in situ protection are sandbags, polypropylene debris netting, specific hands-on solutions, sand deposition, road barriers, artificial sea grass and the covering with geo-textiles. Artificial metal cathodes have been tested to stop metal corrosion. It is also possible to establish under water depots in proximity to the endangered sites, in order
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Objective, methodology and techniques