This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Protection of Wrecks Act (PWA) 1973. As part of the celebrations of this significant landmark in the protection of underwater heritage assets, CIfA has partnered with the Protected Wreck Association to gather views and host a seminar on protecting wrecks for the next 50 years. We are asking interested individuals and organisations to respond to a survey to gather views, and save the date for a seminar to discuss issues.
Background
The PWA was introduced to address issues with the investigation and archaeologically inappropriate recovery of historic shipwrecks in the late 1960s and early 1970s that were damaging underwater heritage and causing public concern. It enables the Secretary of State to designate a restricted area around a wreck of historical, archaeological or artistic importance to prevent uncontrolled interference. There are currently 57 shipwreck sites in territorial waters adjacent to England, with a further six in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.
When the PWA was introduced, it was world leading in its approach to community engagement with voluntary avocational divers. This remains one of its greatest achievements, which should be celebrated. However, the 50th Anniversary is also an opportunity to analyse the Act’s performance over the last 50 years and to identify opportunities which would strengthen its provisions or address its omissions.
The project will gather views with the intention of presenting policy and practice options for the improvement of the protection of underwater heritage in the UK.
Event and survey details
CIfA and the Protected Wrecks Association are launching a survey to help inform the event and shape the debate. We are asking for views from all relevant stakeholders in the marine historic environment, from licensees and their teams and other recreational users of wreck sites, to professional archaeologists and those involved with marine development.
You can access the survey here.
The seminar, this November, will reflect on what has been achieved under the PWA and discuss the scope and potential for updating the Act to further enhance protection for our significant underwater heritage sites.
Speakers will introduce topics on a range of issues relating to the Act’s successes, issues and challenges, and future opportunities. Expert delegates will have the opportunity to discuss with panel members and with each other. The online audience will be able to participate to the debate using Slido (an online, easy-to-use tool which will allow virtual audiences to ask questions).
The seminar will explore
- what we have learned from 50 years of protecting wrecks under the Act,
- what the changing threats and opportunities facing maritime heritage are, and
- what practical options we have to improve the Act and/or its operation for the future.
The event will be livestreamed from the Society of Antiquaries of London on 22 November 2023.
Please register your interest to attend by clicking here.
The event will be attended by a wide selection of expert stakeholders in the marine environment, including policy makers, archaeologists, historic environment managers, license holders, and recreational divers and other users of wreck sites.
Places to attend the similar in person are limited and will be offered to individuals on a basis which ensures a high-quality mix of experiences and representation. For more information, please contact rob.lennox@archaeologists.net.