Archaeology under Water

Underwater Archaeology – A Cultural Commitment

Over the past four decades, underwater archaeology has experienced remarkable growth. Preservation conditions underwater are often superior to those on land, allowing for the discovery of numerous finds made of organic materials such as wood—materials rarely encountered in terrestrial excavations. Shipwrecks, along with their cargo, represent well-preserved archaeological complexes of high scientific significance, while harbors serve as primary sources for studying trade, transportation, and technological history. Submerged settlements, lost due to sedimentation or tectonic subsidence, provide insights into the lifestyles of prehistoric and ancient cultures.

At the same time, these valuable sites face increasing threats: harbor and waterway expansions, land reclamation, fishing trawlers with bottom nets, tourism and recreational activities such as marinas, as well as the construction of offshore wind farms and gas terminals along the coasts. Environmental degradation, such as the destruction of reed belts along lake shores, leads to erosion and the loss of crucial archaeological evidence. Furthermore, some recreational divers, unaware of legal protections, may be tempted to remove artifacts from the seabed, disrupting their scientific context. However, the most significant damage comes from systematic looting and illegal excavations, which are becoming increasingly widespread.

The preservation and scientific study of underwater cultural heritage is a responsibility shared by all cultural nations. Many European countries have made substantial efforts in this field, establishing institutions dedicated to underwater archaeology and heritage protection. A major step forward was the adoption of UNESCO's Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage in 2001. As of October 3, 2024, 78 countries have ratified this convention—Germany, unfortunately, is still not among them.

The State of Underwater Archaeology in Germany

In Germany, underwater archaeology gained public attention through spectacular discoveries such as the Bremen Hanseatic Cog and the Roman ships of Mainz. These finds led to the establishment of the German Maritime Museum in Bremerhaven (1975) and the Museum of Ancient Shipbuilding in Mainz (1994). The Pile Dwelling Museum in Unteruhldingen has existed since 1922. These institutions not only serve as museums but also function as research centers.

Beyond high-profile discoveries, numerous smaller-scale projects focus on researching and preserving underwater cultural heritage in the North and Baltic Seas, as well as lakes and rivers. Examples include the investigations of prehistoric lakeshore settlements in Bavaria by the Bavarian Society for Underwater Archaeology (BGfU) and research conducted in the North and Baltic Seas by the Working Group for Maritime and Limnic Archaeology (AMLA) at Kiel University.

Most of these projects are limited in scope and rely on archaeologists and sport divers working in their free time—often at their own expense. Unlike many other European nations, Germany lacks dedicated research institutions and heritage protection authorities for underwater archaeology. Successful models that could serve as examples include the Department of Underwater and Subaquatic Archaeological Research (DRASSM) in Marseille, France, and the Soprintendenza del Mare in Palermo, Italy, which is responsible for maritime heritage protection around Sicily. In contrast, German marine research institutions such as GEOMAR in Kiel focus on geology and marine biology but lack a department for underwater archaeology—unlike, for example, the Institute for Marine Science and Technology at Dokuz Eylül University in Izmir, Turkey.

Academic education in the field made some progress with the establishment of a DAAD guest professorship in Nautical Archaeology at Philipps University Marburg (2010–2018), but unfortunately, this was not continued. Since 1993, Germany's regional heritage offices have collaborated through the Commission for Underwater and Wetland Archaeology (KUFA), yet only a few state heritage offices have specialists dedicated to underwater archaeology. The current challenges were highlighted in a panel discussion at the IPR XXVIII conference in 2022 at the Hansemuseum Lübeck.

Goals and Activities of the German Society for the Promotion of Underwater Archaeology (DEGUWA)

The lack of infrastructure for underwater archaeology in Germany and the growing threats to submerged cultural heritage led a group of historically-minded and responsible sport divers to take action. Together with scholars from various fields and archaeology enthusiasts, they founded the German Society for the Promotion of Underwater Archaeology (DEGUWA) on January 11, 1991. Recognized as a non-profit organization, DEGUWA has gained national and international recognition for its underwater archaeological work in Germany's North and Baltic Seas, inland waters, and the Mediterranean.

DEGUWA has set the following goals:

• Education and Training:
  DEGUWA informs recreational divers about the significance of archaeological research and introduces them to underwater archaeological methods and techniques. To achieve this, it offers theoretical and practical weekend seminars following the training system of the British Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS).

  • Graduates of these courses acquire fundamental knowledge that enables them to participate in underwater research projects both in Germany and abroad, supporting archaeological heritage offices.

• Research Projects:
  DEGUWA conducts its own research projects, bringing together archaeologists and NAS-trained sport divers. A recent example is the 2024 Croatian-German research project in Polače, Croatia.

• Scientific Conferences:
  One of DEGUWA's core activities is organizing the annual international conference In Poseidon's Realm, held at different locations for over 30 years. Initially focused on Germany, the conference quickly grew into a major international platform for scholars and enthusiasts. It also features a rich supporting program, including NAS training courses, diving expeditions, and excursions.

• Academic Journal:
  DEGUWA publishes SKYLLIS, an academic journal recognized as one of the most important international publications on maritime and limnic archaeology.

• Advocacy and UNESCO Representation:
  DEGUWA is an accredited NGO within the advisory body of the 2001 UNESCO Convention on Underwater Cultural Heritage and strongly advocates for Germany's ratification of the convention.

What Still Needs to Be Done?

DEGUWA will continue and intensify its outlined activities and initiatives to the best of its ability. To achieve this, an increase in membership—and thus in potential and active contributors—is urgently needed, as the current workload is borne by only a few individuals.

The organization's key focus areas will remain awareness, education, research, collaboration and exchange, and technical development. However, in the long run, a private organization alone cannot handle all the necessary tasks of underwater archaeology. Technically complex excavation projects, spanning several years, cannot be reliably planned and sustained solely by unpaid volunteers covering most of the costs themselves. A dedicated team of professionals is essential.

Therefore, the establishment of a national research institute for underwater archaeology should be considered—either as an independent institution or as part of an existing organization, such as the German Archaeological Institute or the Max Planck Society. This institute would primarily focus on fundamental research and projects in waters outside Germany. Additionally, state-level heritage offices should create departments for underwater archaeology within their cultural heritage conservation efforts.

To ensure proper academic training, an interdisciplinary approach, modeled after Sweden's system, should be implemented at at least one university in northern and one in southern Germany. The establishment of such institutions would not render DEGUWA obsolete—on the contrary, it would allow the organization to expand and refine its support efforts even further.

However, given the current financial situation, it is unlikely that these institutions will be established in the near future. Since time is of the essence, and invaluable scientific resources—especially along the Baltic Sea coast—are at risk of being lost forever, it is crucial that DEGUWA receives the greatest possible support from both public and private sectors to continue its important work.