Page 39 - Manual for Activities directed at the Underwater Cultural Heritage

not be disturbed beyond what is strictly necessary to attain the objectives of a project. Rule 3 thus calls for proportionality, both in terms of how much research, archaeological observation and intervention is needed in order to gain the expected knowledge or protection, and how much impact inflicted by these activities the site can bear. The determination of what impact is proportionate lies with the competent authority, but will be informed by the proposals of the initiator of the project, if that is not the authority itself. The quality and comprehensiveness of the project plan will obviously be an important factor in negotiating urgency and limits.
The reasons for disturbing a site can be diverse. There can be external factors that determine that in situ preservation is not an option, implying that the site presents itself as an opportunity for the pursuit of knowledge through archaeological excavation. The project design for such an activity needs to be embedded in the wider context of research questions and expertise, as is discussed in Chapters II and VII. This wider context is equally important if it is not external factors, but the pursuit of knowledge, protection or enhancement that provoke the planning of such activity. Whether it is protection, consolidation, contribution to knowledge, enhancement or improved site accessibility that are cause to action, Rule 3 will apply, as no activity shall adversely affect the site more than necessary.
In activities directed
at underwater cultural heritage with the objective of contributing to protection, knowledge or enhancement:
- impact shall be proportional to the objective,
- impact shall not be greater than necessary, and
- impact and observations shall be documented.
 © Wessex Archeology. Sidescan sonar.
The methods and techniques applied for scientific studies must be as non-destructive as possible and contribute to the preservation of the remains. Surveys with non-destructive techniques can address large areas.
Side scan sonar is still the most practical solution for this. It can be deployed from large and small vessels alike, either towing the fish or mounting it in front in order to avoid interference from propeller wash.
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General Principles