Final answer:
Oceanographer Robert Ballard believes that artifacts should not be removed from the Titanic but instead be documented and studied in their resting place, which makes the statement false.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is false. Oceanographer Robert Ballard, who is known for his discovery of the wreckage of the RMS Titanic, has been a proponent for the preservation of the site as a maritime memorial. He believes that artifacts should not be taken from the Titanic but rather be studied and photographed in situ. Ballard's perspective emphasizes the respect for those who perished in the disaster and views the site as a cultural time capsule that should be left undisturbed. His stance is built upon the belief that advances in undersea technology allow for detailed exploration and documentation without the need to remove items, thereby preserving the historical integrity of the site.