Sustainable preservation of underwater archaeological sites: A novel approach to cultural heritage management

Project Information

ENDURE

Grant agreement ID: 101053993

DOI

10.3030/101053993

EC signature date 17 August 2022

Start date 1 October 2022

End date 30 September 2027

Funded under

• European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

€ 2 496 306,00

EU contribution

€ 2 496 306,00

Coordinated by

NATIONALMUSEET
Denmark

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ENDURE (Sustainable preservation of underwater archaeological sites: A novel approach to cultural heritage management)

Reporting period: 2022-10-01 to 2025-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Across Europe and beyond, vast traces of our shared history, such as shipwrecks and submerged settlements, lie hidden beneath the sea. These underwater cultural heritage (UCH) sites offer crucial insights into past societies, trade, and maritime traditions. Yet, they face growing threats from climate change, coastal development, and seabed exploitation. Current policy supports in situ preservation—leaving sites undisturbed on the seabed—but this is increasingly questioned. We lack essential knowledge about how UCH deteriorates under environmental and human pressures. Without better understanding, we risk losing irreplaceable heritage. The ENDURE project addresses this by developing a new science-based framework to assess, model, and manage UCH preservation. It unites archaeology, marine science, modelling, conservation, and social sciences to investigate both the physical decay and the cultural values tied to UCH. Importantly, ENDURE recognises heritage as both material and cultural. It integrates social sciences and humanities to explore how identity, memory, and public values influence preservation. New models incorporate stakeholder views and sociocultural data, supported by partnerships with museums including Costa Rica’s National Museum and Denmark’s Sea War Museum.

By combining scientific and cultural perspectives, ENDURE will guide more sustainable and context-sensitive decisions about what to preserve, when, and how—helping ensure that underwater heritage remains part of our future as well as our past.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

In its first phase, ENDURE has made strong progress across four research areas.

Remote sensing and legacy data: Over 500 shipwrecks in the North and Baltic Seas were mapped using multibeam sonar and environmental data. Regression and multi-criteria modelling identified key factors influencing decay and mapped preservation potential, highlighting areas such as the Baltic and Norwegian Trench. This research produced a high-impact journal article and two book chapters.

Decay processes: Fieldwork at three Baltic wreck sites gathered environmental and structural data. Despite some delays, new field campaigns are scheduled for 2025. In the lab, respirometry experiments and finite element modelling are underway. A clean lab is now operational, with DNA extraction and sequencing in progress.

Modelling and sociocultural values: Computational models are being developed to simulate how decay evolves under natural and human drivers. Sociocultural factors are being incorporated into these models, broadening their relevance. New partnerships, such as with the Sea War Museum, support this interdisciplinary approach. Recruitment for new modelling and biodiversity researchers is planned for late 2025.

Mitigation strategies: Trials for seagrass replanting and alternative protective materials are being prepared, aiming to reduce erosion and enhance seabed stability. A Proof-of-Concept grant is in preparation to scale these approaches.

To date, ENDURE has delivered predictive models, established lab infrastructure, enabled decay analysis and DNA sequencing, and fostered international collaborations—laying a strong foundation for future impact.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

ENDURE is pushing the boundaries of underwater heritage science through innovation and collaboration.

Technical breakthroughs include:

A published large-scale model predicting preservation potential using remote sensing and GIS.

Controlled decay experiments using respirometry and material modelling.

Molecular analysis of decaying heritage materials via DNA extraction and microbial profiling.

These methods provide new ways to assess the condition and risks facing submerged sites—tools that are scalable, transferable, and policy-relevant.

Collaborative impact is also strong. ENDURE works with other ERC projects like SUBNORDICA and 4-OCEANS and contributes to global initiatives such as the UN Decade of Ocean Science. Talks with EDITO aim to embed UCH into ocean digital twin frameworks and marine spatial planning.

Societal relevance is evident in partnerships with the UK Ministry of Defence and the Tangaroa project to assess pollution risks from military wrecks. The project also aligns with climate goals through nature-based mitigation like seagrass planting, which supports carbon sequestration and habitat restoration.

Key Achievements and Next Steps
ENDURE’s major results so far include:

A published UCH preservation model

New lab infrastructure for decay and DNA research

Looking ahead, the project will focus on:

Pilot mitigation methods aligned with sustainability goals

Demonstration-scale testing of mitigation strategies

Advanced modelling tools integrating sociocultural data

Enhanced sequencing and bioinformatics access

Strengthened collaboration across sectors

Supporting policy and regulatory frameworks for UCH management

ENDURE is establishing a robust, interdisciplinary platform to protect underwater heritage in a changing world—advancing research, informing policy, and shaping the future of marine cultural heritage.

THe PI investigating bricks on a Danish wreck in Costa rica.

3D photogrammetric model of wreck from the Baltic sea surveyed as intial fieldwork in the ENDURE pro