The secretary, with the advice of the division, may issue a permit to any governmental agency, political subdivision, group, or person for the recovery of archaeological materials, treasure, sunken or abandoned ships and wrecks of the sea, or parts thereof or their contents, which are determined to be located on state-owned lands, or on private land if the written consent of the owner thereof is first obtained. All such permits shall specifically provide for the location, nature of, and time period for such operations and shall only be issued to qualified entities after the development of a research design. The division shall advise the secretary on the issuance of any such permit.
La. R.S. § 41:1606