Cultural Resources on the New England Coast and Continental Shelf: Research, Regulatory, and Ethical Considerations from a Massachusetts Perspective

The cultural resource base on the New England coast and continental shelf, circumscribed generally in this overview to Southern New England and the Gulf of Maine, is summarized. The U.S. and state historic preservation regulatory schemes and constituent interests are outlined. Federal, state, and local authorities are involved in review and permitting of proposed undertakings that could adversely affect significant cultural resources on the coast and continental shelf. Government authorities (including Native American Tribal Historic Preservation Officers), biological and cultural resource managers, and researchers may consider this commentary in developing their policies, practices, commentary, and research proposals to investigate the effects of coastal and near-shore development projects in this and other regions. Ethical considerations are raised for government agencies, private concerns, cultural resource management professionals, and for other scientific and historical investigators whose decisions and activities involve public interests in historic and archaeological resources. Scientific and historical narratives that synthesize cultural and ecological history in local and regional view are part of plans of action to implement coastal management goals.