Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project was established in order to: locate and identify the submerged cultural resources of Rhode Island waters. Cultural resources may include shipwrecks, debris fields, submerged man-made structures and innundated terrestrial sites.study the submerged cultural resources of Rhode Island waters in a manner consistent with appropriate underwater archaeology practices.determine those submerged cultural resources that are historically important.develop programs by which the historically important submerged cultural resources may be protected from damage.develop programs by which the submerged cultural resources of Rhode Island may be shared with the diving and non-diving public in a non-destructive manner.locate and study sites on land related to the industries and individuals that contributed to the maritime history of Rhode Island.