The protection of the underwater archaeological heritage and development impact

Abstract

The initial motivation to write this report about Malta's underwater archaeological resource was spurred after a number of formal discussions with a colleague, who is an archaeologist by profession. He highlighted a number of different problems (administrative, legal and logistical) that underwater and ten-estrial archaeology have been facing for a long period, with only a handful of competent persons taking the initiative to ameliorate the situation. Although the study and protection of terrestrial archaeology is in the forefront, it still lacks the necessary legal frameworks, the necessary administrative back-up and human resources without which any department cannot function properly. This is further aggravated by the general lack of public awareness, which people should have in order to appreciate our heritage and culture. Moreover, maritime and underwater archaeology (which are distinctive from each other although related in that underwater archaeology deals with anything that lies on the seabed, be it a shipwreck or aircraft or sunken building remains, etc., whereas maritime archaeology deals with those artefacts that are related to the sea, such as ships, but are now lying on land) lack all the necessary and basic frameworks for such a resource to be protected. It was also highlighted that underwater archaeological resources are subject to a number of threats. Lately, the increase in coastal development (boosted by a steady and growing economy) has provided fresh challenges to an already fragile situation, where such a resource has been subject to plundering by individuals. The advance in technology, particularly in the use of underwater breathing apparatus and related equipment, has increased the facility towards the depletion and erosion of archaeologically important sites and artefacts. A substantial amount of material was recovered as treasure, trophies and scrap with total disregard of the archaeological integrity of sites and their ability to yield scientific information. [...]