Underwater archaeology and the preservation of marine heritage to be debated in Formentera

From 29th of September to 1st of October Formentera will host the International Symposium of Conservation for Underwater Archaeology (ISCUA), a triennial event organized by the Balearic Institute of Marine Archaeology Studies (IBEAM), which according to the Formentera Island Council "serves as a platform for disseminating advanced research into the preservation of marine cultural heritage".

The aim of this meeting, organized in collaboration with the Formentera Council and the Ministry of Education and Culture through the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (ARQVA), is to "continue training younger generations in underwater archaeology, as well as to create future links between the various institutions and invited specialists," according to the council. 

This second edition will bring together 75 professionals from 19 different countries to discuss new treatments, explore the use of new technologies applied to the restoration and conservation of marine heritage and share experiences and lessons learned throughout their careers.

The talks will take place in the Sala de Cultura Cinema de Sant Francesc and the speakers include Ian Mcleod, PhD in Shipwreck Conservation Sciences; Martijn Manders, professor of underwater archaeology and maritime cultural heritage management at the University of Leiden; Tomás Fernández Montblanc, oceanographer and professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Cadiz; and assistant professor in the Nautical Archaeology programme at Texas A&M University, Tomás Fernández Montblanc; oceanographer and professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Cadiz, Tomás Fernández Montblanc; assistant professor in the Nautical Archaeology programme at Texas A&M University, Chris Dostal; and professor of Conservation at UNIWA, Athens, Vasliki Argyropoulos.