Authorities: M.G.L. c. 6, §§ 179 & 180: Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources; 312 CMR 2.00: Massachusetts Underwater Archaeological Resources.

Jurisdiction: Underwater Archaeological resources within the coastal and inland waters of Massachusetts.

Applicability: Proponents of projects in jurisdictional waters must contact the Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources to find out if the proposed activity will disturb underwater archaeological resources.

Regulatory Summary: The Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources is responsible for managing underwater historical and archaeological resources. The Board oversees the discovery, reporting, protection, and preservation of resources such as abandoned properties, artifacts, treasure trove, and sunken ships that have remained unclaimed for 100 years or more, or which are valued at $5,000 or more. Anyone wishing to excavate an underwater archaeological site must obtain a permit from the Board. The exact location of archaeological sites is not made public, in order to protect the resources from unauthorized excavation.

Review Process: Contact the Board to determine if there are underwater archaeological resources at the proposed project site.

Forms: None.

Fees: None.

Website: www.mass.gov/czm/buar/index.htm

Contact: Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (617) 626-1141.