In April 2012, UNESCO announced that something would now come under the protection of a 2001 UNESCO Convention because it now met two conditions: one, it is at least a hundred years old, and two, it is located in an international region i.e. not under any specific nation's jurisdiction.
As a result, UNESCO and nations can prevent 'unscientific' or 'unethical' exploration, as well as proscribe illegal removal of artifacts from the site.
What is thus being protected?
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The Titanic, whose remains underwater will now come under
The Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.
The announcement is here.