The general assembly of the state of Rhode Island hereby declares that the public has an interest in the identification, interpretation, preservation, and protection of the state’s archaeological resources including underwater historic properties situated under the navigable waters and territorial seas of the state; that the public has a right to the knowledge to be derived and gained from a scientific study of these resources; and that therefore it is the purpose of this chapter to provide that activities for the identification, preservation, excavation, study, and exhibition of the state’s archaeological resources be undertaken in a coordinated and organized manner, with due consideration given to other significant natural and man-made environmental assets, for the general welfare of the public as a whole.