The benefits of preserving an archaeological site will often far outweigh the inconveniences. A site may yield information which, if properly recovered, will substantially further our understanding of Newfoundland and Labrador heritage. It may be capable of helping to resolve current heritage research problems. Historic resources also have the potential for making substantive contributions to other disciplines, or for providing information which may be used by industry for practical purposes. For example, archaeological investigations at sites like Ferryland, Cupids, and the St. John's Waterfront can help track the development and growth of the Newfoundland Fishery, which can help inform fishery decisions today.
Sites can have interpretive, educational, and recreational potential.
Consider how influential sites such as L'Anse aux Meadows or the Maritime Archaic cemetery at Port au Choix have been as educational and tourism destinations. Archaeological, historical, and architectural sites may have some degree of ethnic significance to those groups who occupy or have occupied the site, the descendants of such groups, or people who presently own or live near the site. Historically important sites may also reflect or commemorate the historic socioeconomic character of an area, such as the Basque whaling station at Red Bay, Labrador. This type of significance applies to both architectural and historic sites, including those of an archaeological nature. Normally, these sites will also have a high public significance.