BBC Oceans presenter appointed Nautical Archaeology Society president
Prof Lucy Blue, president of the Nautical Archaeology Society
Maritime archaeologist and BBC Oceans presenter Prof Lucy Blue has been appointed president of the Nautical Archaeology Society following 14 years as vice president.
She succeeds archaeologist and Time Team contributor Phil Harding, who has served as president since 2004.
Founded in 1972, the Nautical Archaeology Society is a registered charity focused on researching, recording and protecting coastal and underwater heritage.
In the role, Blue will provide strategic leadership and will represent the society at national and international level. Working with the board of trustees, she will contribute to the organisation’s long-term direction and will support the development of its education programmes and practical archaeological projects.
“I am delighted to continue supporting the Nautical Archaeology Society as president,” says Blue. “The value of the society’s work in protecting our underwater cultural heritage cannot be overstated.
“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Phil Harding for his dedication and commitment over the past two decades. Without the tireless efforts of the society’s team and its members, countless historic wrecks – and the human stories they represent – would be lost forever.”
The position includes promoting collaboration across the maritime heritage sector, linking universities, professional archaeologists, recreational divers and volunteers involved in research and fieldwork.
Mark Beattie-Edwards, CEO of the Nautical Archaeology Society, says: “As both an academic and educator, Lucy is exceptionally well placed to guide the Society as we continue to advance research in nautical archaeology, publish new findings and deliver high-quality training.
“Having been a member since the mid 1980s, a trustee since 1994, and serving as Chair before becoming Vice President in 2011, Lucy understands the realities of operating as a charitable organisation – from securing project funding to expanding public engagement in this fascinating discipline. Her experience and longstanding commitment will be invaluable as we broaden awareness of the society’s work and extend its reach.”
Blue is professor of maritime archaeology at the University of Southampton. Her work has included capacity-building projects across the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean.
In 2008, she co-presented the BBC documentary series Oceans – available on iPlayer –alongside Paul Rose, Tooni Mahto and Philippe Cousteau.
In addition to her role at the Nautical Archaeology Society, she co-directs the Arcadia-funded Endangered Maritime Archaeology in the Middle East and North Africa project and serves as maritime archaeological director of the Honor Frost Foundation. She is a qualified British Sub-Aqua Club dive leader and a Health and Safety Executive Part IV archaeological scuba diver.
