Example of best practice : Spain
The National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (ARQUA) - Spain
The , ARQUA, established in Cartagena in 1982, is in charge of the study, assessment, research, preservation, promotion and protection of the Spanish underwater cultural heritage, collaborates with the regional administrations and their research centers, and works in cooperation with the States Parties. It also hosts the Permanent Observatory of the National Plan for the Protection of Underwater Archaeological Heritage. . .
Andalusia's Underwater Archaeological Heritage, Spain
Created in 2004, the Management and Information System of Cultural Assets of Andalusia (MOSAICO) is an information system which contains extensive information about heritage sites, including 900 historical shipwrecks. While the sites now benefit from legal protection, visits are encouraged for both divers and tourists. Training courses and seminars are also organized. . .
Cap del Vol and Cala Cativa shipwrecks, Spain
This project studied shipwrecks at and that sank while transporting wine between the first century BC and the second century AD. Efforts to enable heritage access include publications, an exhibition at the Archaeological Museum of Barcelona, conferences, scuba-guided visits to the shipwrecks during archaeological excavation works, on-site protection, and a documentary. . .
Deltebre I shipwreck, Spain
The shipwreck of was discovered in 2008. It sank in 1813, during the Peninsular War. The Underwater Archaeology Centre of Catalonia (CASC) began excavations in 2009 that were completed in 2016. Heritage access has been provided through public visits during the excavations. Additionally, a special traveling exhibition displays the results of the excavations in diverse locations. . .
The Bou Ferrer Shipwreck, Spain
The Bou Ferrer Wreck is a Roman shipwreck of the first century CE, located off the coast of Villajoyosa, Spain. Heritage access is guaranteed through public visits to the site, access to the archaeological materials in museums, videos, educational messages and informal reports, as well as presentations and conferences. . .
The Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes Project, Spain
The frigate Nuestra Señora sank in 4 October 1804. The shipwreck site is located 34 nautical miles coast of Portugal, off the Cabo de Santa Maria. The Mercedes Project has become one of the clearest international examples of the Convention’s meaning and raison d’être. The artefacts removed by Odyssey were deposited at the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, who was in charge of managing approximately 14 tons of archaeological material. . .