Australia spends $440,000 on the nation's historic shipwreck sites

"Shipwrecks are virtual underwater libraries of information from our past, and the secrets and insights our shipwrecks hold tell a story about our nation, revealing information about the people that traveled to our shores and the times in which they lived.

"With a vast maritime heritage, it is vital that we act to preserve Australia's historic shipwrecks and their artefacts for future generations.

"Through this year's funding experts here in Tasmania will visit new sites and re-inspect known wreck sites, as well as continue detailed recording of relics held in state museums so the information can go into the Australian National Shipwrecks Database."

"One example of significant national interest is this year's discovery off the Western Australian coast of the HMAS Sydney II and the HSK Kormoran. HMAS Sydney II sank after a fierce battle with the HSK Kormoran on 19 November 1941. This site, along with thousands of others, is now protected under the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 to ensure they remain for future generations to understand and enjoy," Mr Garrett said.

Other projects to be undertaken by state and territory agencies include: