Underwater Cultural Heritage in the Pacific: Themes and Future Directions

This article focuses on the underwater cultural heritage (UCH) located across Pacific Ocean by sampling three temporal themes: living and traditional indigenous heritage, global connections of Manila Galleon trade, modern warfare World War II (WWII). Many practices (living heritage) tangible related to people are coastal sea related. Their world encompasses sea, which was not seen as a barrier but much-used connection occupying thousands islands. The contains an extensive maritime including UCH, reflects identity in region. From 16th 18th centuries, Spanish Empire prospered through elaborate Asia-Pacific trade network. between Manila, Philippines, Acapulco, Mexico, connected into existing Atlantic transporting commodities such porcelain, silver, spices textiles from Asia Americas Spain. Of 400 known voyages 1565 1815, approximately 59 shipwrecks occurred, only handful galleons have been investigated. scale WWII region intensity impacts conflicts fought world’s largest ocean. Associated UCH includes near shore defensive infrastructure, landing amphibious assault craft, submerged aircraft, wide range ships submarines, auxiliary, combatant non-military casualties alike. Twentieth century involved massive losses material. legacy battlefields is complex. Interest high discovery naval critical aspects often intertwined. Archaeology, history, reuse, memorialisation (gravesites), tourism, unexploded ordnance, environmental threat (fuel oil), ownership salvage all shape what we can learn this resource.