LAUSR

Abstract China is regarded as one of the most crucial countries regarding maritime cultural heritage (MCH) protection and marine development; however, little information is available about its MCH distribution, quantity, and characteristics, and the excavation and protection of MCH is often conducted after the accidental discovery by fishers in fishing operations or by surveyors during engineering construction. A growing number of marine development projections in China’s coastal areas could lead to the discovery of marine cultural relics, as well as the accidental damage of undiscovered underwater cultural relics. To harmonise the development of marine culture and marine economy, this study aims to explore the international rules and domestic policies of China applicable to the MCH protection and marine development, and then propose sustainable coordination solutions between the two, including coordinating MCH protection in marine spatial planning, marine environmental management, marine development management, and maritime laws and policies. This study has reference significance for the harmony of marine development and MCH protection in the coastal countries of the world and seabed resources exploitation and MCH protection in the areas beyond national jurisdiction.