Page 316 - Manual for Activities directed at the Underwater Cultural Heritage

© BAR / FPAN. Map of Florida’s shipwreck preserves.
In 1987 Florida began to develop a statewide system of underwater parks featuring shipwrecks and other historic sites.The shipwreck preserves have become popular attractions for skin and scuba diving visitors to witness a part
of Florida's history first-hand. They contain not only interesting archaeological features, but also an abundance of marine life that make the parks living museums in the sea. Each site is interpreted by an underwater plaque; a brochure and laminated underwater
guides are available from local dive shops.The parks are open
to the public year round, free of charge.There are eleven parks
at present, and several others under development. Even a virtual experience on these sites is offered at www.museumsinthesea. com, where the visitor can access underwater video footage of the wreck and the marine life, as well as a video about the history of each vessel.
who are interested in learning more. Consequently, a public synthesis may be shorter, or may take an entirely different form. Consideration should also be given to providing translations of the public synthesis.
Possibilities for public synthesis
Booklets, brochures, posters, film documentaries, illustrated books or other publications such as magazine articles, exhibits or displays of artefacts and information, and websites are all acceptable and effective ways of synthesising information for public education. If the site is made accessible to the diving public (Rule 7), waterproof site guides, underwater monuments or plinths, and trails marked with line are tried and successful methods for interpretation. Case studies from around the world are available to provide ideas and models. If, however, the site is intended to be an underwater archaeological preserve or shipwreck park for divers and snorkelers, do not forget interpretive materials for the non- diving public as well.
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Dissemination