Protocol for reporting finds of archaeological interest.

Wessex Archaeology

In 2003, the British Marine Aggregate Producers Association (BMAPA) and English Heritage (EH) jointly published Marine Aggregate Dredging and the Historic Environment: Guidance Note. The Guidance Note sets out the character and importance of the marine historic environment, and describes best practice in dealing with archaeological matters in the course of planning marine aggregate dredging.

The Guidance Note includes details of measures to mitigate the effect of marine aggregate dredging on the historic environment, including the implementation of protocols to report and deal with finds made in the course of dredging. Rather than have many different protocols, each designed for different dredging areas and potentially with varying provisions, BMAPA and English Heritage decided it would be preferable
to have a single unifying protocol applicable to all dredging areas, vessels and wharves. The existence of a single protocol would ensure consistency and therefore encourage participation by everybody involved in the marine aggregate dredging industry. Consistency would also make it easier for archaeologists and other relevant parties to provide appropriate advice.

The aim of the Protocol is to reduce any adverse effects of marine aggregate dredging on the historic environment by enabling people working in the industry to report their finds in a manner that is convenient and effective. The archaeological finds made by aggregate workers are important because they shed light on our predecessor’s use of the sea and seabed. The information that these finds bring to light helps archaeologists to better understand what happened in times long (and not so long) ago. It also allows archaeologists to better protect aspects of our history that should be conserved on behalf of future generations. Archaeological finds from the seabed also help the public to catch a glimpse of the past in an otherwise unfathomable environment.