WessexArchaeology

Protocol

forreportingfindsofarchaeologicalinterest

AnnualReporttoBMAPA2006-2007

Preparedby

November2007

2 0 0 6 - 2 0 0 7

Project Background

InApril 2003, the British MarineAggregatesProducersAssociation (BMAPA) and EnglishHeritage (EH) jointly published MarineAggregate Dredging and the HistoricEnvironment: Guidance Note.The GuidanceNote sets out the character and importance of the marine historic environment and describesbest practice in dealing with archaeologicalmatters in the course of planning marineaggregate dredging in English marine waters.It includes details of measures to mitigatethe effect of marine aggregate dredging onthe historic environment, including theimplementation of protocols to reportand deal with finds made in the courseof dredging.Protocols for reporting archaeological findsemerged as a mitigation option as it becameapparent that watching-briefs byarchaeologists, either on board dredgingvessels or at wharves, were likely to proveineffective because of the scale and characterof the dredging process. Protocols areintended to provide a ‘safety net’ forreporting finds that occur once dredging isin progress, and are in addition to measuresto avoid areas of archaeological sensitivitythrough desk-based assessment and fieldevaluation.Such protocols have formed part of themitigation strategy set out in severalEnvironmental Statements for individualdredging licence applications. However,BMAPA recognised that it would be moreconsistent and effective to introduce a single,unifying protocol and inAugust 2005 BMAPAand EH introduced a protocol applicable toall BMAPA members, covering all wharves,vessels and production licence areas.The Protocol was prepared by WessexArchaeology (WA) in consultation with BMAPA,EH and other interested parties. BMAPAmember companies have voluntarilycommitted to implementing the Protocolacross all existing operations. It is hoped thatnon-BMAPA companies will also adopt theProtocol voluntarily. Furthermore, thereporting requirements defined by theprotocol are now being reflected in the formalconditions attached to modern dredgingpermissions, including renewals.This makescompliance with the protocol a formalrequirement of the dredging permission.

Protocol

The Protocol provides for finds being madeby members of staff employed by aggregatedredging companies on the seabed, on boarddredging vessels, and at wharves.Munitions or suspected munitions must first bereported through the procedures outlined inthe Guidance Note ‘Dealing with munitions inmarine aggregates’ (June 2006) to ensure

British MarineAggregates ProducersAssociationandEnglish Heritage

ProtocolforReporting finds of archaeological interest

Annual Report to BMAPA 2006-2007November 2007prepared byWessexArchaeology