Description
Book SynopsisThe shipwrecks of WWI constitute a vast, dispersed and distinctive underwater legacy. This insightful book addresses the need to rethink how they can be protected, through an examination of both private and public international law and the conventions governing them.
The recent centenary of WWI has prompted a shift in the way attention is focused on legacy wrecks. In this timely book, Craig Forrest considers both the development and current state of the laws that apply to these wrecks, as well as the issues that surround them, such as regulated and unregulated salvage and the potentially hazardous nature of wrecks left in situ. The author then deftly analyses the adequacy of the existing legal framework, in particular the Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, to fulfill its promise of protecting legacy wrecks for future generations as historical and archaeological resources, memorials and, more importantly, as maritime war graves.
This incisive book will prove necessary reading for all with an interest in underwater cultural heritage and its protection, including academics, practitioners and managers, government officials and policymakers. Underwater archaeologists and others interested in maritime law and naval history more broadly will also find its unique analysis useful.
Trade Review‘In this book Professor Craig Forrest offers a thoroughly researched, lucid, and comprehensive examination of the law and current affairs surrounding “legacy ships” sunk during World War I. The book will be a helpful tool for any organization, lawyer or government considering issues surrounding “legacy wrecks” whether sunk before or after WWI. The book is a meticulously researched and carefully structured contribution to wreck and heritage law, and to the discussion on the governance of such resources more generally.’ -- Eric Mahcum and Luke Hunter, Ocean Yearbook
‘The author’s skill in exploring the complexity of the law and international conventions on the law of the sea is precise. The book’s standard of presentation, editing and binding is a credit to the author and publisher. The contents of chapters, tables, legislation, citation of cases and index is professional and easy to follow when referring to matters discussed in the various chapters. The citing of footnotes is accurate and detailed. I commend the book to those with an interest in naval history.’ -- James Unkles, Law Institute Journal
'A timely piece of legal writing on maritime war graves, a topic generally neglected in the literature, offered by the specialist
on this question from a law of the sea and maritime law perspective. Answering the main challenges posed by the subject through a masterful use of practice, jurisprudence and normative developments, Craig Forrest offers a complete analysis of, as well as solutions to, the problem of protecting these legacies beneath the waters that are simultaneously venerated places, archaeological sites and public properties of the flag States.' --Mariano Aznar, Universitat Jaume I, Spain
'An excellent and much-needed overview of the cultural heritage of the Great War at sea and its relationship to the law. Craig Forrest has produced a readable narrative which goes beyond dry legal argument to contextualise the archaeological and regulatory landscape as it affects nations and sea users today. An impressive, comprehensive and important contribution.' --Innes McCartney, Bournemouth University, UK
Table of ContentsContents: 1. The War at Sea 2. The Legacy 3. The Legal Framework 4. Legacy Wrecks as Objects of Salvage 5. Legacy Wrecks as Threats 6. Legacy Wrecks as Historical and Archaeological Sites 7. Legacy Wrecks as Memorials and Maritime War Graves 8. The UK and the UCH Convention 9. The Future Index
