N.S. moves to ban commercial treasure hunting

From metronews.ca

 Nova Scotia has introduced legislation that would put an end to all underwater commercial treasure hunting along its coast.

First announced in July, the repeal of the Treasure Trove Act and amendments to the Special Places Protection Act would see all treasure hunting for commercial purposes end on Jan 1.

Provincial officials say there are currently five outstanding permits that will expire on that date.

Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell says the move will bring Nova Scotia in line with other provinces and with a United Nations convention on the protection of underwater cultural heritage.

Liberal Andrew Younger, an avid diver, says the legislation is important in that it helps protect cultural artifacts for future generations.

He says it enables legitimate archeological research to continue, while limiting the amount of artifacts that may end up in private collections around the world.

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