Adramar (Association for the Development of Maritime Archaeological Research) is a non-profit association that was set up in 1993 for the purpose of furthering the distribution, the understanding and the development of maritime archaeology. It brings together volunteer and professional archaeologists who seek to promote maritime archaeological research both in France and abroad.
The association's remit includes:
- Study, protection and promotion of archaeological sites
- Support and training for underwater archaeological excavations
- Organisation of scientific colloquia, conferences and exhibitions
- Publication of monographs and archaeological guides
- Dialogue with government offices, local authorities and associations
Since it was created, the association has acted as project manager for a number of research projects and archaeological digs, both in France and aboard. These include:
- The La Hougue shipwrecks (1990–1995)
- The Brunei shipwreck (1997–1998)
- The La Natière shipwrecks (1999–2008)
- The wrecks of the Boussole and the Astrolabe (2003 and 2005)
Working alongside the DRASSM, Adramar is currently drawing up an archaeological atlas of the maritime cultural heritage of Atlantic Europe. It will include all known scientific and technical documentation concerning the maritime archaeological sites of the Channel and Atlantic seacoasts. This mass of information is analysed, organised and ranked within a cohesive set of databases and GIS mapping system.
The association is also the project leader of the Archaeological Atlas of the 2 Seas, an international effort that brings together the DRASSM (France), English Heritage (England) and the Flemish Heritage Institute (Belgium).
