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Conference Papers

Vol. 32 No. 1 (2026)

Underwater cultural heritage: an international law perspective

  • Tullio Scovazzi
Submitted
June 11, 2026
Published
2026-06-12

Abstract

The present international law regime leaves doubts as regards the objective of protection of the underwater cultural heritage. A  provision included in the 1982 treaty of general codification of international law of the sea can be understood in a counterproductive  meaning, as implying freedom of fishing for this heritage under a first-come-first-served approach. The 2001 treaty that could specifically ensure the effective protection of the heritage has not yet received sufficiently broad participation by States.