International Marine Antiquities Law

International Marine Antiquities Law refers to the legal framework governing the protection, preservation, and management of underwater cultural heritage, such as shipwrecks and artifacts located beneath the sea. Key agreements, notably the UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, aim to prevent the illegal trade of these items and promote cooperation among nations to preserve marine heritage. It balances the interests of exploration, archaeology, and conservation, ensuring that underwater sites are respected and studied responsibly for future generations.