This thesis analyzes the complex practices associated with the management of wreck sites that contain human remains through the comparison of two historic eras of ferrous hulled or clad vessels and the differing management approaches. The research seeks to understand the motivation behind management decisions and ascertain if the decisions are linked to a specific variable, such as public significance or association with a specific historic era. Through the examination of management documents and literature associated with each wreck site, the research will reveal commonalities between five case studies that factor into each management decision.