Page 71 - Manual for Activities directed at the Underwater Cultural Heritage

before any artefact is recovered. The inclusion of a conservation programme in a project design is therefore best done in close cooperation with such competent authorities. Moreover, archaeologists should work closely with materials conservators in the planning process and development of the project design. Where possible, a materials conservator should visit a site prior to excavation and, if possible, be present to assist with the excavation. This will enable them to assess the condition of artefacts that may be recovered and guide the development of appropriate conservation facilities and procedures. See Rule 24
Site management and
maintenance
A site management plan identifies a site’s stakeholders and authorities with a view to engaging them in the curation and guaranteeing sustainable use of the site. It regulates access and research, includes provisions for public education and information, tourism, sustainable use, and should include a vision for the future. Moreover, it identifies risks for site stability and conservation, proposing a policy framework of adequate measures. Once a site of underwater cultural heritage has been disturbed, it is vulnerable to the effects of waves, tides, currents and storm activity.
Changes in the stability of a site can occur quickly and with little warning. Site management and mainte- nance policies are a part of risk management and should provide mecha- nisms to deal with such contingencies promptly and effectively during the whole duration of the project. Moreover, these policies will inform the management of the site after the termination of the project. See Rule 25
© Syddansk Universitet. Documention work on a shipwreck site.
Although archaeology goes largely beyond documentation,
it is nevertheless one of its cornerstones. Each activity,
each observation should be documented. During fieldwork archaeologists establish plans,
take photographs, make accurate drawings and record the circumstances of the project in observation reports.The project design needs to assure for correct documentation. A fieldwork day
is not finished before all logs and reports have been written.
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Project Design