SRHF operates in accordance with New York State law. Archeological resources located underwater are the shared cultural and historical legacy as well as legally the property of the people of the state of New York. 

Because of the educational value of submerged resources, responsibility for their management is with the State Department of Education. The Department’s New York State Museum has responsibility for the protection and care of historical sites on submerged lands. It has authorization to gather data about them through issuing permits for underwater projects of an educational nature.