Abandoned Shipwreck Act

The Abandoned Shipwreck Act is a U.S. law that protects shipwrecks on state waters, allowing states to manage and preserve these wrecks that are considered abandoned. This law helps prevent private salvage companies from removing artifacts without permission, aiming to preserve historical and cultural resources underwater. It establishes that shipwrecks are public property when abandoned, enabling states to regulate and sometimes recover items for conservation or educational purposes. Essentially, it balances ownership rights with the need to protect maritime heritage.