Underwater Cultural Heritage and Fishing Communities: Safeguarding Heritage and Safeguarding Fishers

This paper proposes that three elements are required in order to develop a fit-for purpose management regime to protect underwater cultural heritage (UCH) from negative impacts caused by some fishing gear: evidence-based characterisation of impacts; understanding of the pressures and constraints acting upon fishing communities; and commitment to engagement with fishers and industry associations. In addition, strategies for protection of UCH from fishing and other hazards cannot be developed in isolation from existing marine management regimes. This challenge of integration and alignment with broader stewardship of complex marine systems is set to grow more difficult as industrial activity grows, competition for resources intensifies, and governments and agencies seek to exert new levels of control over larger areas of ocean.