As of 2019, the wrecks are the subject of archeological research undertaken by Parks Canada. Researchers are using the RV David Thompson, a scientific and research vessel, as living accommodation; and a barge "Qiniqtiryuaq" to support the diving down to the wrecks. Parks Canada is also handling the documentation and conservation of artefacts removed from the wrecks.[6]
Ownership
Under international maritime law, as Royal Navy ships, the Erebus and Terror are the property of the United Kingdom. However, in 1997 before either wreck was discovered but in the belief that the wrecks must be within Canadian waters, the United Kingdom had entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Canada, that Canada could own the wrecks. In 1999, Canada created the new territory of Nunavut as part of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. Part of that agreement gave Inuit the ownership of archaeological sites and artifacts within Nunavut's boundaries.[7]
After the wrecks were discovered, there was greater need to clarify all parties' rights in relation to the wrecks. In April 2019, the United Kingdom and Canada formally agreed that the original 65 artefacts removed from the wrecks would belong to the United Kingdom, but that the wrecks themselves and further artefacts removed would belong to Canada and the Inuit Heritage Trust with the exception of gold which would belong to the United Kingdom and any human remains would be repatriated to the United Kingdom.[8] In return, Canada would not seek payment from the United Kingdom for their costs incurred in discovering the wrecks and in removing and conserving the artefacts.[9] In relation to the Inuit rights, the Government of Canada (represented by Parks Canada) and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association negotiated an agreement that will establish a visitor centre at Gjoa Haven as an extension of the existing Nattilik Heritage Centre.[10][11] A ten-year agreement was signed in March 2023, which "sets out a new model for a cooperative relationship established between Parks Canada and Inuit", with the intention of having the wrecks progressively become a fully Inuit-led National Historic Site.[12]
Public access
Public access to the site is not allowed with the exception of Inuit, who are permitted to hunt and fish within the protected area.[5][13] To protect the site from the public, Inuit from Gjoa Haven work as guardians, camping near the wreck sites to monitor access to the sites.[14]
However, on 5 September 2019, passengers of Adventure Canada on MS Ocean Endeavour were permitted to visit the site of the wreck of HMS Erebus as part of a trial by Parks Canada in creating a visitor experience for the wreck site.[15]
^"Inuit guardians program". Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site. Parks Canada. 27 May 2019. Archived from the original on 8 October 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2019.