Page 53 - Manual for Activities directed at the Underwater Cultural Heritage

Archaeological research is an important reason for the protection of archaeological sites. Nonetheless, restricting access to archaeologists only is not advisable. The validity of protective policies de- pends on the extent to which the heritage can be experienced by the public and therefore on access. Restricting admission results in a lack of growth in public awareness, appreciation and knowledge. This is contrary to the objective of research, which is the creation of understanding and knowledge. Allowing access and permitting authentic experiences makes protection valuable, less exclusive and better under- stood. Access, in other words, is not only an important aim in itself; it also contributes to awareness and to joint support for protective approaches. This is as true for underwater cultural heritage as it is true for heritage sites on land.
There are, however, reasons for restricting public access. Heritage is fragile. Moreover, it is susceptible to natural decay and erosion, but it may also be damaged through abuse, looting and unrestricted access. Restricting access and protective measures, often including a protective cover, may be necessary to ensure its continued existence.
Pending such measures or while awaiting research, it may be useful to temporarily restrict access to the site. During the course of archaeological work, strict control and supervision may be preferable to unlimited access. Once adequate measures for protection have been taken there is no further reason to restrict access permanently. To cater for these necessary mea- sures is a challenging assignment for management.
To resolve the dilemma of access, it is useful to compare underwater cultural heritage with heritage sites on land, but this should be on the basis of a correct analogy. On land, different regimes apply to visible parts of heritage, such as erected monuments and buildings
 © T. Maarleveld. A class of schoolchildren listening to an archaeologist, Perow, Germany. Archaeologist Jens Auer explains to a class of schoolchildren in Prerow (Germany) a strange piece of wreckage that was found on their beach, and what a group of archaeologists and archaeology students are doing to document it.The wreckage is a ship’s side dating from the 18th century. It was clinker-built at first, but rebuilt with a extra layer of flush planking.
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General Principles