Divisions

 

 

Underwater Archaeology

Submerged Cultural Resource Management/Underwater Archaeology

"Submerged Cultural Resources" refer to archaeological deposits and sites that are found in underwater environments (i.e., natural and dammed lakes, rivers, springs, the continental shelf, etc.). Cultural resources typically found in these environments include shipwrecks, historic structural remains (wharfs, landings, lighthouses, etc.), and prehistoric deposits (occupations, middens, fishing weirs, etc.).

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980, and the Abandoned Shipwreck Act (Public Law 100-298) of 1987 declared that the States (or Territories of the U.S.) are to manage shipwrecks and other submerged cultural resources in State waters. As a result of these regulations and other legislation, state and Federal agencies are required to initiate such measures as are necessary to insure that policies, plans, and programs will preserve sites, structures, and objects of historical or archaeological significance that exist on terrestrial and submerged properties owned by the Federal Government or subject to Federal regulation.

ESI underwater archaeology staff specializes in the location, identification, documentation, and evaluation of submerged cultural resources. ESI has the capability to conduct remote sensing surveys in a variety of aquatic environments with experience utilizing magnetometers, dual-frequency sidescan sonar, sub-bottom profilers, and fathometers. ESI archaeologists can also provide underwater site excavation, video surveys, historical document research, artifact analysis, archaeological data interpretation, and report production. ESI staff surveys and excavates shipwrecks, as well as submerged prehistoric sites.

Services:

  • Pre-project Evaluations
  • Section 106 Compliance
  • Remote Sensing and Video Surveys
  • Mapping, Photo, and Video Documentation
  • Archival and Historical Research
  • Phase I, II, III Underwater Archaeological Surveys, Testing, and Reporting

Projects:

  • Beach Renourishment Projects
  • Dredging Projects
  • Pipeline Surveys
  • Cable Surveys
  • Drilling Surveys
  • Bridge Crossings
  • Dock, Wharf, and Harbor Construction/Repairs

 


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