To Dig or not to Dig? The Example of the Shipwreck of the Elizabeth and Mary

Abstract

Each day cultural heritage managers face a range of issues requiring them to make complex, even difficult decisions. These problems often relate to the delicate balance between, on the one hand, the interests of various groups whose activities either focus on cultural remains or are carried out in the immediate environment of these remains, and on the other hand, the responsibility to provide heritage protection. On other occasions, the potential impact results from the natural features requiring action where the schedule and time frame are beyond the manager’s control. Needless to say, underwater heritage is not immune to these realities, and it actually presents unique problems because the remains are immersed. This can be a heavy responsibility for underwater heritage managers if they do not have guidelines to provide clear direction and ensure consistency and continuity of action. These guidelines can be policies, directives, or even legislation. No matter what form they take, they must be clear enough so that the action to be taken is not left to drift because of individual interpretation, and flexible enough so that the manager is not put in an administrative straightjacket that limits effectiveness.