Conservation of Marine Finds

Our team members can be involved in every stage of an underwater excavation: from the underwater documentation and monitoring of objects, through the provision of first aid and the implementation of protective measures for the most fragile and vulnerable materials, to the safe and controlled recovery of artefacts and, subsequently, their full conservation treatment in the laboratory.

Once in the laboratory, marine archaeological finds may require a desalination process to remove soluble salts retained within their structure. The duration of this process varies depending on the material, its condition, and the extent of salt contamination.

Within a controlled laboratory environment, our team provides comprehensive conservation treatments tailored to the specific needs of each find. These treatments range from the documentation and detailed recording of each object’s characteristics, to the mapping of their preservation state, chemical and/or mechanical cleaning, and aesthetic restoration, where appropriate.

Our approach aims to stabilize the finds, preserve their archaeological integrity, and support their long-term conservation.