The precise number of intact, unpillaged shipwrecks or other submerged cultural properties in each Great Lake is unknown. Although there no doubt remain many shipwrecks to be found, what their condition may be when discovered is also unknown. Many simply broke up in storms or in strandings leaving little intact structure to be found. DNR staff will evaluate all shipwrecks or other properties according to the National Register of Historic Places criteria. Therefore, DNR and EGLE will not permit any salvage or artifact recovery directly on a shipwreck or other submerged cultural resource until such time as the historical significance of the resource and its relationship to the surrounding area can be determined, at least on a preliminary level. Both the condition of the wreck and its potential for historic study must be evaluated prior to a decision as to the issuance of a permit. EGLE staff will also consider the effect of the proposed recovery on the biological and potential recreational attributes of the site.
Before a permit for recovery is granted, the applicant must submit detailed research plans for the site to DNR and EGLE. At a minimum, when the site is a shipwreck, such plans must include: 1) a brief history of the vessel and wreck incident, 2) a sketch map of the site, 3) a description of the artifacts proposed for recovery, 4) justification for recovery, 5) proposed methods of curation, 6) short-term and long-term repository for the recovered artifacts, and 7) an evaluation of the wreck's eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.