Explore
Search for traces of human activity below water and along the shoreline—without disturbing the site.
Submerged cultural heritage
Research. Explore.
Document. Protect.
Globally joining forces to understand and preserve maritime history—with a particular focus on local waters and resources.
Scroll to explore
Our method
Four actions. One responsibility.
The value is not the object alone. It is the context, evidence and shared understanding that surrounds it.
Research
Find, compare and interpret evidence from archives, maps, registers and original historical records.
Document
Preserve observations through reports, measurements, sketches, photography, sonar and video.
Protect
Keep cultural material in context and make knowledge accessible without exposing vulnerable sites.
Field principleObserve. Record. Leave intact.
The international challenge
The Problem
Underwater cultural heritage is a finite resource. Coastal development, industrial activity, climate effects, looting and unrecorded recovery can damage a site—and once its context is lost, it cannot be reconstructed.
Knowledge is also lost when the people who encounter submerged sites are disconnected from the people responsible for researching and protecting them. Divers and local historians may hold observations that never reach archaeologists, conservators or public authorities. Institutions, in turn, may complete valuable work without making the results accessible to the communities closest to the sites.
The challenge is to create a durable path from discovery to documentation, professional assessment, protection and shared historical understanding—without exposing vulnerable locations.
Video begins at the relevant passage: 26:08
From the archive
Stories below the surface.
San José: More Than the “Holy Grail of Shipwrecks”
Gold, silver and emeralds made the San José legendary. But the people, evidence and contested history surrounding the wreck are far more valuable than its cargo.
Read article
The Porcelain Wreck: A Cargo at the Crossroads of Northern Europe
A remarkably preserved wreck in the Skagerrak may connect Chinese export porcelain, European luxury trades and the maritime networks of Denmark–Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and the Baltic.
Read article
Viking Treasure from Bergen, Norway
In the year 1148 AD, on a fateful Thursday night, a fleet of Viking ships, including the notable vessels Hjolp and Fifa, found themselves ensnared in a ferocious storm shortly after departing from Norway, embarking on their journey just two days prior. The sailors, surrounded by the relentless turbulence of the sea, grappled with uncertai
Read article
Monitoring Shipwrecks for Climate Change Indicators: A Surprising Link
Monitoring shipwrecks for climate change indicators is a fascinating and valuable area of research that offers insights into the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. By examining bioindicator species, water chemistry, temperature, and the presence of invasive species, scientists can paint a more comprehensive picture of the consequences of climate change on our oceans. This knowledge is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and preserve the health of our marine ecosystems.
Read article
The Golden Age Of Bergen: A Look At Maritime Trade in 1500s Norway
Norway and its capital city of Bergen have a long and storied history, and the 1500s were certainly no exception. During this time, maritime trade to and from the city of Bergen was flourishing, bringing in wealth and prosperity for the townspeople. In this article, we'll take a look at how maritime trade helped shape Bergen's economy during this golden age!
Read article
Shipwrecks 101 : How To Find Shipwrecks
Finding the wreck of a ship is the most difficult part of maritime archaeology. Shipwrecks may be found accidentally, while we are looking for something else, or via targeted missions to locate specific wrecks. We can find shipwrecks on land, underwater and at sea. This article gives a small introductory glimpse into this fascinating activity.
Read articleWreckMap
Thousands of sites. One wider historical picture.
Use the map as a research gateway, then follow the source trail before drawing conclusions about a site.
Open WreckMap