Potential and prospects of underwater archaeology in Kazakhstan: the Caspian Sea

This article explores the concept of «underwater cultural heritage» and presents examples of discoveries of historical and cultural objects in the Mangystau region. An analysis of the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage highlights the absence of legal norms in Kazakhstan's legislation regulating this field, such as the terms «underwater cultural heritage», «underwater heritage», «objects of underwater historical and cultural heritage» and «underwater archaeology». The article emphasizes the necessity of adopting legal acts, ratifying the international Convention, and conducting underwater archaeological surveys to study and protect underwater artifacts. It also proposes in situ conservation as a priority method of protecting underwater cultural heritage - preserving objects at their site of discovery. The feasibility of creating dive-wrecks - underwater routes that allow divers to explore historical objects while demonstrating their cultural and historical significance - is also substantiated. This method combines archaeological research with underwater tourism, helping to draw attention to the protection and promotion of underwater heritage.