The problem you have is too many gov't preserves. Be suspicious everytime you see one of those...State and Federal. Good indication there is something there they are protecting...besides animals, trees and waterways.
I think some gov't preservation sites are legit....but Florida ?... That state should always be under suspicion.
I spend a lot of time researching information and maps, and yes I find stuff, but legalities are legalities.
And then there is the problem with owning or having the money to lease the equipment to get to some of it.
How many people can lease the Amelia Research Group ? There is a wreck that has been eating at me for a long time, but unless you can lease their services you will not be able to move all the sand.
Then there are depth problems with some of my finds. So the average diver can do 30 feet maybe. Then I have been occasionally disappointed with a find. Like discovering a wreck is actually a WWII Tanker. Tons of wrecks out there, especially off the east coast of Florida and sorting through it is very trying at times, especiallly when divers do not consider there is "value" in non-Spanish wrecks. Some Navy ships were running "funds", and there are other museum quality artifacts that could bring a good price. Treasure is not always gold. Last night I scoured over a number of modern day wrecks....which always have the potential of having something else of value on board, provided the original owners have abandoned their rights to the wreck.
Mel Fisher was smart. He utilized others who had training and knowledge such as college professors, archaeology experts etc. Otherwise without networking and asking for the expertise of others he would not have found what he had.
His timing was right but he fought for his rights to salvage too. He paid his price in many ways. If you really wanted to "organize" and become "formal" such as the Mel Fisher group or "The Odyssey" then you can make some money. If you are the pillage and plunder variety, you are going to have to at least have the money to fund your private expenses, and also your legal expenses if you get caught.
As far as acquiring information off this board, remember most here are "Treasure Hunters" and the good sites they are not going to necessarily share, nor the information.
itmaiden
