Throughout the ages such maritme activities have left traces along the coastline, both on land and under the sea in the shape of shipwrecks, harbour constructions, fishing and whaling stations, boathouses, mooring systems, navigation marks, objects lost or thrown from ships etc. All of these elements are parts of a so called maritime cultural landscape that the archaeologists explore and protect for future generations. Hence, maritime archaeology plays an important role by creating knowledge about this sphere of the cultural development. Maritime archaeological research comprises all aspects of human activity related to the sea. Material sources of maritime archaeological research can be present on the seabed, in the beach area or on shore.
Additional sources can be of a non-material character, such as myths and tradition etc.
Marine archaeology , i.e. underwater investigations, is an important part of the maritime archaeological research and protection process. As the only institution in Norway, our Institute offers an academic education in maritime archaeology. Norway has an enormous coastline, and the country differs distinctly from other European countries with respect to the maritime cultural heritage it owns and manages. Hence Norway has a large responsibility when it comes to the protection of this maritime cultural heritage. The Institute of Archeology at the Museum of Natural History and Archaeology, is one of five institutions in Norway responsible for the protection of maritime cultural heritage.