Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR)

The Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR) is the sole trustee of the Commonwealth's underwater cultural heritage and is charged with encouraging the discovery, reporting, interpretation, and protection of these resources. While underwater archaeological resources are commonly shipwrecks (there are more than 3,500 shipwrecks within Massachusetts waters), they also include submerged Native American sites, wharves, and aircraft.

PLEASE NOTE: The BUAR office has moved to 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900. See "Contact BUAR" below for details.

Who we serve

As the official steward of the Commonwealth's underwater heritage, BUAR promotes and protects the public's interests in these resources for recreational, economic, environmental, and historical purposes. 

BUAR website overview

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 3,500 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:

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