As part of the ENDURE project, we’ve published new research in the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology examining how underwater cultural heritage (UCH) intersects with deep-sea mining and bottom-contact fishing.

Our key message is a practical one:
➡️ Risks to underwater cultural heritage are real, but they are possibly manageable when addressed early and systematically.

The paper shows that:

• Many impacts can be avoided through early seabed assessment and planning

• Tools already used for environmental management can also protect cultural heritage

• Integrating UCH into marine spatial planning benefits regulators, industry, and heritage managers alike

Rather than treating cultural heritage as a constraint, our research—aligned with ENDURE’s objectives—demonstrates how it can be incorporated into responsible and sustainable approaches to deep-sea activity.

We hope this work supports ongoing dialogue between archaeologists, policymakers, scientists, and offshore industries as activity in deeper waters continues to expand.

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ENDURE is an interdisciplinary research project examining how deep-sea activities can be planned and managed to recognise and protect underwater cultural heritage as part of sustainable ocean use. www.endureerc.com

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