SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Welcome to the Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage (MUCH) Unit's page. The MUCH Unit consists of a small team of heritage officers that work in the Heritage Conservation Management Division at the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA). The unit is responsible for managing all maritime and underwater cultural heritage below the high water mark along the ~3,000 km long South

African coast. The extent of its remit includes the Territorial Sea (to 12 nautical miles / 22 km offshore) and the Contiguous Zone (to 24 nautical miles / 45 km offshore). This equates to 135,000 km² of some of the roughest seas and coasts in the world. In addition, the Unit manages underwater heritage in internal waters such as lakes and rivers. The Unit’s key functions include:
• Implementing and enforcing the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999;
• Formulating and implementing national MUCH policy;
• Managing MUCH permitting;
• Surveying, recording and researching MUCH sites;
• Promoting and building MUCH management and capacity;
• Raising and promoting public awareness of MUCH;

Aims of the page:
•To discuss current topics related to MUCH resources in South Africa and around the World;
•To create a forum for discussion where the public can ask questions and comment on the status of MUCH resources;
•To create a space for the public to report or share any new information regarding MUCH sites in South Africa;
•To keep in touch with the general public and let them know what the team has been up to.