The <i>Geldermalsen</i> sank near Indonesia in 1752; in 1985, the ship was discovered in international waters, its structure mostly intact and well preserved. However, the cargo and artifacts were removed by a treasure hunter without proper excavation and documentation. In response to this activity, an ethical directive was drawn up for member institutions of the Council of American Maritime Museums, the American Association of Museums, and the International Council of Museums to refrain from acquiring or exhibiting artifacts from commercially exploited sites.