BMAPA Protocol for Reporting Finds of Archaeological Interest

English Heritage ALSF Summaries. 2005/2006

Following the publication of Marine Aggregate Dredging and the Historic Environment: Guidance Note in April 2003, the British Marine Aggregate Producers Association (BMAPA) and English Heritage (EH) have co-operated in developing a Protocol for Reporting Finds of Archaeological Interest. Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by BMAPA to develop the Protocol, which was published in August 2005.

The Protocol provides for finds being made by members of staff employed by aggregate dredging companies on the seabed, on board dredging vessels, and at wharves. Under the Protocol, staff will report to a local ‘Site Champion’ on the vessel or at the wharf, and the Site Champion will compile a preliminary report. The Site Champion will pass the report on to the ‘Nominated Contact’, which is a single identified person within each Company.

With the support of the ALSF, English Heritage has funded Wessex Archaeology to design and produce Protocol documentation, which has been distributed to wharves and vessels operated by BMAPA companies. The documentation includes the full text of the Protocol, and Notes for Site Champions. The documentation also includes a poster which will be displayed by BMAPA companies, so that aggregate industry staff are alerted to the kinds of things to report, and where they should be reported.

BMAPA has also commissioned Wessex Archaeology to provide an Implementation Service for the Protocol. Nominated Contacts will initially contact Wessex Archaeology, who will provide initial advice and pass on reports to English Heritage. A web-based reporting system forms the core of the Implementation Service. Again with the support of the ALSF, English Heritage has funded Wessex Archaeology to design and host a series of web pages that describe the protocol and Implementation Service, and provide access to digital copies of the protocol documentation. The EH-funded web pages will also include details of finds reported under the Protocol.

This page was published on 19/10/2005