Page 406 - Green - Maritime Archaeology: A Technical Handbook. 2nd ed
P. 406

Chapter 14: Cultural Resource Management 385
Western Australia has shown that the appointment of inspectors is worth- while, as it provides an additional group of people who are authorized to administer the legislation. In most cases, the inspectors provide feedback on the sites, but they are also empowered to prosecute people who are breaking the law.
Experience in Australia has demonstrated that cooperation with dive charter operators and tourist agencies can be very helpful; and they, in turn, are generally extremely pleased with the information and assistance that is provided. The dive charter operators could also help to maintain the anchoring points for the sites and monitor the sites for any recent distur- bance. If the program is successful it will be in their long-term interest to ensure the sites are not looted.
3. Publications
There is a wide range of publications that can be made available to the public (diving and general), some of which have already been mentioned. As discussed, simple waterproof information sheets can be sold directly to the divers and charter operators. These can be taken underwater and would provide basic information, directions to find the site, its GPS coordinates and a site plan, obviously with information on what should not be done on the site.
As a complement to this, a small guidebook to the wrecks of the area could provide the basic information shown on the diver information sheet, but with more details about the sites and the kind of material that would be found on the sites—amphora types and lead anchors—together with ref- erences to further reading. Again, the basic information and rationale as to why the protection of these sites is so important should be included. The book or booklet could be illustrated in color and would make it an attrac- tive and, possibly, revenue-generating project.
4. Management
Ultimately, the preservation of these sites will depend on the effective- ness of the management system. The hierarchical system would presumably have a project manager (an archaeologist) under whose direction would be various levels of specialists. It is important to ensure that the system is well balanced. There is a need for good management of field staff and that the program has access to senior management. It is also important that in the management of sites there is an awareness that the archaeological program is an essential part of the operation as it provides new and important infor- mation that will keep the program dynamic.



























































































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