North Sea Prehistory Research and Management Framework (NSPRMF) 2019: Retuning the research and management agenda for prehistoric landscapes and archaeology in the Dutch sector of the continental shelf

Abstract

The North Sea Prehistory Research and Management Framework (NSPRMF) 2009 set out to provide an agenda for the research and heritage management of submerged archaeological sites and relict landscapes in the Dutch-Belgian and British parts of the southern North Sea. The framework first and foremost focussed on: (1) maximisation of archaeological information arising from offshore developments (spatial, economic); (2) stimulation of the study of archaeologically relevant materials and deposits to broaden the knowledge base for archaeological and management purposes; (3) stimulation of public understanding and awareness of the past, and fostering of a shared sense of responsibility among developers, decision makers, and scientists; (4) development of a firm basis for heritage management judgement, consultancy, and decision-making, notably an internationally recognised and scientifically accepted set of resource assessments and research agenda. In view of the vast body of work that has been carried out since the production of the NSPRMF 2009 and the ongoing developments in and around the Dutch sector of the continental shelf, and in order to set a fresh baseline for management purposes for the coming years, the cultural heritage agency of the Netherlands has requested a synthesis and evaluation of published material and other spin-offs in the context of the initial aims of this framework. The present report provides the outcome of this analysis. It is structured into three parts: a look back at the NSPRMF 2009 (chapter 2), an evaluation of the current state of affairs in relation to the priorities set in the NSPRMF 2009 (chapters 3 and 4), and a look forward to opportunities, dilemmas, and choices, in order to retune or redefine priorities and present possible strategies applicable to the Dutch sector of the North Sea for the coming years (chapter 5).