Posted by extremediver1 on October 31, 19103 at 12:02:59:
In Reply to: Re: That's not the point here... posted by Brendon Baillod on October 31, 19103 at 11:48:25:
You are right about that Brendon. While the wreck does have local histoical signifigance, it is not an archeolgical site. I think that alot of divers would like to donate items that were recovered under questionable circumstances but may fear legal problems would soon follow. So many people try to quote these laws and no one knows what they really are. I was out diving a wreck this summer when I was approached by the DNR boat. Besides the fact that he ignored my dive and alpha flag (luckily divers were just getting ready to enter the water) he did not even know that there was a wreck at that location or any information about it. He was very interested in the information that we gave him but I don't think that he would have been able to initiate the enforcement of one of these laws if it were being broken. So who really does enforce these laws and how? Are divers expected to rat on each other and get the government knocking on their door asking to see what's on the bookshelf in their living room?
: The people of Rogers City would take issue with you on the historical signfigance of the Cedarville.
: I agree with you about the laws and their abuse. They are easily challenged and unevenly enforced. They apply the same protection to the Griffon that they afford a pile of boards abandoned in the 1930s.
: However, there are many communities and museums around the Lakes that would love to have some of these artifacts for public display and would be happy to give you a tax deduction for donating them. That way we all get to enjoy them and they don't disappear into a collection that could be thrown out or left in the attic/basement when the collector dies.
: : I completely agree with Craig. The states have overstepped their boundries and have caused some people to turn into some sort of scuba police for the rest of us. Personally, I feel that this porthole should have been brought up simply if it's soul purpose was to spark this discussion. Why do some people feel the need to try "enforce" a law that doesn't even have a clear definition. If someone recovered this artifact 37 tears ago and gained some enjoyment from hanging it in his den then more power to him. At least he is trying to pass it on to someone else who will appreciate it. Let's face it, it's a broken porthole from a historically insignifigant shipwreck. It's not the Holy Grail