The issue of cultural resource management - whether state or Federal authority should control the excavation of historically or culturally significant sites and manage historic shipwrecks for the public benefit - has antecedents dating to the 1800's but has taken upon new ramifications with the development of new technologies, i.e. scuba diving. A summary of activity of what states have been doing to protect underwater cultural resources and historic shipwrecks is provided. Conflicts of interest exist among the sport diving community, archaeological and historic preservation groups, and professional treasure salvors. Federal legislation giving the states authority to regulate excavation of state land for the purpose of recovering shipwrecks is reported. -- AATA