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Annual Report to BMAPA 2007-2008
WessexArchaeology
Protocol
forreportingfindsofarchaeologicalinterest
AnnualReporttoBMAPA2007-2008
Preparedby
November2008
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Annual Report to BMAPA 2007-2008
Annual Report to BMAPA 2007-2008
Project Background
InApril 2003, the British MarineAggregateProducersAssociation (BMAPA) and EnglishHeritage (EH) jointly published
Marine Aggregate 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 report anddeal with finds made in the course of dredging.Protocols for reporting archaeologicalfinds emerged as a mitigation option as itbecame apparent 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 provide thestructure and basis for the formal reportingrequired as part of the conditions attached todredging permissions. Protocols are intendedto provide a 'safety net' for reporting findsthat occur once dredging is in progress, andare in addition to measures to avoid areas of archaeological sensitivity through desk-basedassessment and field evaluation.Such protocols have previously formed partof the mitigation 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.
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 firstbe reported through the procedures outlinedin the Guidance Note 'Dealing with munitionsin marine aggregates' (June 2006) to ensurestaff safety and to ensure compliance withlegislative requirements. Following theidentification, and where necessary disposalof suspected items by the appropriate
British MarineAggregate ProducersAssociationandEnglish Heritage
ProtocolforReporting finds of archaeological interest
Annual Report to BMAPA 2007-2008November 2008prepared byWessexArchaeology
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