The aim of this paper is to present some reflections about cultural and archaeological underwater heritage, to arrive at an analysis as to what degree distortions of concepts exist in this "submersed" theme, result from a millenary history of adventures, and how they have contributed and continue to contribute to the destruction of different archaeological submersed sites. The article also aims at contributing to a wider understanding of underwater heritage, and the necessity of systematic, underwater, archaeological research. It draws attention especially to the Brazilian problem, because Brazil still permits the commercial exploitation, and consequently, the destruction of this cultural heritage. This has been made possible through inadequate legislation inspired on the millenary fantasies of underwater treasure and fortune.
Underwater Cultural Heritage; Underwater Archaeology; Public Archaeology