The mission of the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities
The mission of the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities
The Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities (EUA) was established in 1976 as a specialized regional service of the Ministry of Culture, with jurisdiction over the protection of coastal and submerged antiquities throughout Greece. Its mission is to safeguard underwater cultural heritage, including ancient shipwrecks, submerged settlements, and ancient harbour installations located in seas, lakes, and rivers.
It is also responsible for managing the Accessible Underwater Archaeological Sites in Alonissos and the Western Pagasetic Gulf.
Legislation and protection
Greek legislation places underwater cultural heritage under the protection of the State and
the competent authorities (Law 4858/2021), designating as monuments shipwrecks of
vessels and aircrafts that are over 50 years old from the date of their sinking, including any
movable objects they may contain.
Activities of the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities
The Ephorate’s key activities include the identification, research, and protection of underwater antiquities, the conservation of submerged artifacts, the organization of underwater archaeology museums, the supervision of underwater research institutes, oceanographic foundations, and expeditions, the regulation of maritime and underwater activities that may pose risks to antiquities, the designation and management of underwater archaeological sites as accessible locations for visitors.
