Conclusion: Looking Forward

Abstract

The case studies presented in this volume offer a compelling look at the damage caused to many forms of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) by bottom trawling and other mobile fishing gear, as well as provide some suggestions to protect this vital Ocean Heritage resource for future generations. The authors from Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (Chap. 6, this volume) highlight their new Sanctuary Mapping Initiative which works with fishers to ‘to conduct side-scan sonar surveys to locate and document shipwrecks and characterise seafloor habitats’. It is a promising step forward and can help to show fishers in other waters the shared natural and cultural importance to shipwrecks and highlight the need for protection of seabed heritage.