Historic shipwrecks
2012 shipwreck photography competition
Photographers from all over the world are invited to enter now: AIMA 2012 shipwreck photography competition
Australia protects its shipwrecks and their associated relics that are older than 75 years through the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976. The Historic Shipwrecks Act applies to Australian waters that extend from the low tide mark to the end of the continental shelf and is administered in collaboration between the Commonwealth and the States, Northern Territory and Norfolk Island. Some Australian shipwreck sites lie within protected or no-entry zones.
The Historic Shipwrecks Act is delivered through the Historic Shipwrecks Program. Its objectives are to research, explore, document and protect Australia's historic shipwreck heritage. Each State or Territory program offers different opportunities for public participation as do maritime archaeological volunteer associations that exist in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.
25 April 2013
'Lost' World War Two shipwreck now protected under Australian law
Federal Heritage Minister, Tony Burke, has declared the shipwreck site of the 'lost' MV Limerick as a protected historic shipwreck under the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976.
14 March 2013
Call for witnesses for damage to protected WWII Japanese midget submarine
The federal environment department is seeking witnesses regarding damage to the wreck of the Japanese midget submarine (M24) near Sydney Harbour.
Officers from the department are investigating an incident that was identified during archaeological inspections of the wreck in September 2012.
12 March 2013
Shipwreck discovery at Byron Bay - warning not to disturb wreck
The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) has appealed to the public to respect the fragile remains of a shipwreck off Byron Bay.
20 November 2012
Successful prosecution for illegal entry into protected zone around SS Florence D
Last month, Mr Benjamin Weedon pleaded guilty in the Darwin's Magistrates Court to fishing without a permit over the shipwreck site of the SS Florence D off Bathurst Island.
7 May 2012
Australia protects US warships lost in the Battle of the Coral Sea
Heritage Minister, Tony Burke, has declared the United States warships the USS Lexington, USS Sims and USS Neosho sunk during the Battle of the Coral Sea as protected historic shipwrecks under the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976.
30 March 2012
UWA leads Port Phillip Bay colonial shipwreck excavation.
A leading archaeologist from The University of Western Australia will head a team of 60 people excavating a significant colonial shipwreck in Victoria's Port Phillip Bay next month.
20 March 2012
Australian Historic Shipwreck Protection Project
The Australian Historic Shipwreck Protection Project website has gone live at www.ahspp.org.au . Follow this project which will excavate one of Australia's earliest built vessels and in Port Phillip, Victoria in 2012.