Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources

Established in 1973, the Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR) is the sole trustee of the Commonwealth's underwater cultural heritage. Under Massachusetts General Laws, BUAR is charged with encouraging the discovery and reporting, as well as the preservation and protection, of underwater archaeological resources. These sites and objects represent a nonrenewable scientific resource—statements left by time to be preserved through their documentation for public study and benefit. While underwater archaeological resources are commonly shipwrecks (there are more than 3,000 shipwrecks within Massachusetts waters), they also include submerged Native American sites, wharves, and aircraft. The Commonwealth holds title to these resources and retains regulatory authority over their use. BUAR's jurisdiction extends over the inland and coastal waters of Massachusetts.

For more on BUAR and underwater archaeological resources, see:

• Overview of BUAR's Work
• BUAR Permits and Exemption Requirements
• BUAR Regulations
• Shipwreck Sites Open to Divers ("Exempted Sites")
• Shoreline Heritage Identification Partnerships Strategy (SHIPS)
• Board Meeting Information
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Policy Guidance on the Discovery of Unanticipated Human Remains (PDF, 77 KB)
• Policy Guidance on the Discovery of Unanticipated Underwater Archaeological Resources (PDF, 75 KB)
• BUAR Education Programs
• Board Members
• Battle of Chelsea Creek [1775]
• Underwater Archaeology Links
• Contact the Board