|
|
|
U.S. Code as of:
01/19/04
Section 2103. Rights of access
(a) Access rights
In order to -
(1) clarify that State waters and shipwrecks offer recreational
and educational opportunities to sport divers and other
interested groups, as well as irreplaceable State resources for
tourism, biological sanctuaries, and historical research; and
(2) provide that reasonable access by the public to such
abandoned shipwrecks be permitted by the State holding title to
such shipwrecks pursuant to section 2105 of this title,
it is the declared policy of the Congress that States carry out
their responsibilities under this chapter to develop appropriate
and consistent policies so as to -
(A) protect natural resources and habitat areas;
(B) guarantee recreational exploration of shipwreck sites; and
(C) allow for appropriate public and private sector recovery of
shipwrecks consistent with the protection of historical values
and environmental integrity of the shipwrecks and the sites.
(b) Parks and protected areas
In managing the resources subject to the provisions of this
chapter, States are encouraged to create underwater parks or areas
to provide additional protection for such resources. Funds
available to States from grants from the Historic Preservation Fund
shall be available, in accordance with the provisions of title I of
the National Historic Preservation Act, for the study,
interpretation, protection, and preservation of historic shipwrecks
and properties.
|
|