The Generalitat de Catalunya is set to declare a 2,000-year-old Roman shipwreck off the coast of Palafrugell and Palamós as Catalonia's first protected underwater Cultural Asset of National Interest (BCIN). The move, expected by the end of May 2026, aims to safeguard the exceptionally well-preserved Illes Formigues II Roman shipwreck from looting and accidental damage. The Centre for Underwater Archaeology of Catalonia (CASC) named the vessel Illes Formigues II, which lies 46 metres deep near the Illes Formigues. Researchers believe a storm caused the shipwreck two millennia ago, trapping the vessel off the coast. Rut Geli Mauri, head of CASC, described the site as "exceptional" for Catalonia. She explained that it is the first time archaeologists have been able to excavate an ancient vessel that retains both its wooden structure and its cargo of amphorae. "The Catalan coast has suffered such a degree of looting that this is the first time we have found an ancient ship so well preserved," Geli lamented. ## Uncovering Roman Trade Routes Analysis of the amphorae from Illes Formigues II confirmed it was a commercial vessel transporting salted fish and fish paste. The cargo originated from Baetica, modern-day Andalusia, and was destined for Southern Gaul, now France. Dated to the 1st century BC, the wreck represents the oldest example of maritime trade from that period. Geli stated that this discovery "gives us a truly exceptional insight into these productions and the trade of the era." The Illes Formigues II, measuring approximately 22 metres in length, also holds significant interest for naval architecture due to its well-preserved timber. Additionally, tools belonging to the crew have been recovered, which "are already revealing information about the cultural affiliation or the number of sailors," according to CASC. ## Protecting Catalonia's Underwater Heritage Marina Miquel Vives, Deputy Director General of Heritage for the Generalitat de Catalunya, explained that the protection plan was agreed upon with all involved parties. These include the Fishermen's Guild and Palamós Town Council, Palafrugell Town Council, and various diving and nautical activity centres. The declaration establishes a protection perimeter of 92,000 square metres around the site. Within this zone, fishing will be prohibited or severely restricted, and the placement of buoys will not be permitted. Miquel stated that "an environment of protection must be established to ensure that not only illicit activities, which are tackled in other ways, but also any actions without the intention of damaging the site or the remains, cannot do so." Direct surveillance by the Mossos d'Esquadra police, Rural Agents, and maritime police will be increased to enforce these measures. CASC views this classification as recognition for its work, which received a UNESCO best practices distinction in 2025. Geli believes the BCIN status "will help us fight against looting and also raise public awareness." Miquel reaffirmed this idea, stating that the common practice of finding amphorae in people's homes during the 1970s and 80s "must end." She added that "taking an amphora is not just removing a piece; it is losing part of the country's history." The formal approval of the protection is anticipated by the end of May 2026.