Welcome to the British Marine Aggregate Producers Association and English Heritage Protocol web pages.

The offshore dredging industry provides around 20% of the aggregate needed for construction projects across the UK. Though all dredging areas are assessed for archaeological potential prior to the granting of the licence, industry staff are still highly likely to encounter archaeological finds during their day to day work.

BMAPA and EH put in place the Protocol, developed by Wessex Archaeology, in 2005 which advises industry staff on how to protect our submerged heritage. The Protocol states that all finds of archaeological interest should be reported using the Implementation Service run by Wessex Archaeology, which is now in its 4th successful year.

Follow the links on the right hand side to learn more about the Protocol, the associated Awareness Programme and the wealth of discoveries that have been reported because of its implementation.