The Marine Antiquities Scheme (MAS), created to improve underwater heritage knowledge through the recording of marine archaeological finds, is launching in Northern Ireland.
The scheme, which began through the partnership of organisations including Wessex Archaeology, The British Museum, The Crown Estate and the British Sub-Aqua Club, and in consultation with the Receiver of Wreck, enables users to record archaeological material discovered anywhere from the Mean Low Water Level through its website and mobile app.
Iain Greenway, director of Northern Ireland’s Historic Environment Division (Department for Communities), which has joined the partnership to support the research and documentation of finds in the region’s waters, commented: “I welcome the extension of the Marine Antiquities Scheme to Northern Ireland. The scheme will undoubtedly help to increase public participation with marine archaeology in Northern Ireland waters, whilst also promoting best practice with regard to the treatment and legal reporting of these finds.”
Over 300 finds
MAS launched in England and Wales in July 2016 and since then 352 finds have been recorded by members of the public. Some of the most interesting finds include a collection of Roman pottery, which includes the legible name-stamp of Advocisus in Central Gaul from around AD 200, and a medieval pilgrim’s ampulla used for carrying holy water.
Toby Gane, project manager in charge of implementing MAS at Wessex Archaeology said: “A team at Wessex Archaeology is responsible for implementing the Scheme on behalf of the partnership, which means that we manage all finds made under the scheme and ensure that they are recorded on the MAS database.”
