Florida State University
Research in Underwater Archaeology

Bureau of Archaeological Research, Department of State, Florida

The state's underwater archaeology program includes not only historic shipwreck sites but also pre-Columbian sites in underwater contexts. Some of these are among the oldest human sites in the New World. Underwater archaeologists in the Bureau have worked with local divers to develop Underwater Archaeological Preserves around the state to protect and interpret shipwreck sites to the public.

The Florida Lighthouse Association

The Florida Lighthouse Association, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization chartered by the State of Florida for the preservation of Florida's lighthouses and maritime heritage.

Southwest Underwater Archaeology Society (SUAS)

SUAS is voluntary group of individuals dedicated to investigating and documenting underwater wrecks, cultural remains and other items of archaeological interest in the Gulf of Mexico and in inland waters of the Southwest USA, for educational and historical purposes.

Centre de Recherches Archéologiques Fluviales (CRAF)

Active since 1987 in Belgium, CRAF conducts underwater archaeological survey and excavation that includes some of the most important Bronze Age and Neolithic period sites in Belgium.

The Connecticut Office of State Archaeology

The Connecticut Office of State Archaeology site for underwater archaeology includes a description of their interactive program for archaeologists and non-archaeologists dedicated to exploring the underwater history of the state's maritime cultures.

TechSub Association

The TechSub Association, affiliated with the French Federation for Underwater Studies & Sports, is an independent, non-profit organization of dedicated divers who focus on early modern ships (16th-19th century) in both riverine and maritime environments of France and Corsica. The group works closely with the French government, and publishes its work regularly.

Fundacion Albenga.

Dedicated to underwater Archaeology in Argentina and South America. www.fundacionalbenga.org.ar

Ministere de la culture, France.

This agency has a webpage (French only) called L'Archeologie sous les mers that focuses on underwater archaeology in France.

Archaeology, Speleology, and Scubadiving Organization (ASSO)

ASSO is an Italian non-profit organization dedicated to underwater archaeology and cave diving. The group has an extensive homepage, in both Italian and English, called ASSONET.

Minnesota Historical Society

This is a Minnesota organization associated with the State Historic Preservation Office. They have a web site dedicated to Minnesota's Lake Superior Shipwrecks. The site contains a list of shipwrecks, information on specific shipwrecks, and details on the state of Minnesota's underwater archaeology and cultural resource management programs.

Underwater Archaeological Society of British Columbia

This is an organization dedicated to the underwater archaeology in British Columbia, Canada.

Australian Institute for Maritime Archaeology (AIMA)

AIMA is dedicated to the promotion of maritime archaeology, supporting scientific research and publications in the field. AIMA has supported and implemented many shipwreck projects, hosts conferences, is developing an Australian Shipwreck Database, and p ublishes Bulletins, newsletters, and special publications. Their webpage includes an extensive list of AIMA publications from 1983 through the present.

JASON Foundation

This homepage describes the JASON Project, an educational program designed to allow students to participate in underwater archaeology and marine research via an "electronic field trip."

Channel Islands Marine Archaeology Resources (CMAR)

CMAR is a non-profit volunteer organization supporting underwater archaeology projects in California's Channel Islands National Park. The group has worked with Park Service archaeologists on a number of marine archaeological projects.

Nautical Archaeological Society (NAS)

The Nautical Archaeology Society was founded in Great Britain but is truly an international organization dedicated to furthering research and publication in all aspects of nautical archaeology. Its goals are to advance education in underwater archaeology, to improve techniques of excavation, conservation, and reporting, and to encourage participation in archaeological projects by the public. NAS publishes the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, the leading journal of the field.

The Archaeology and Maritime History Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

This site explains NOAA's protection and management responsibilities of historic and cultural resources within its National Marine Sanctuaries. The ironclad USS Monitor was designated a Marine Sanctuary in 1972, and NOAA manages several other Sanctuaries with shipwreck sites (most notablly the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and the Channel Islands NMS).

The State of Texas Underwater Archaeology Program

Texas has one of the earliest and most active state underwater programs. Their Underwater Archaeology Program is a part of the Texas Historical Commission, the state agency for historic preservation. Their webpage gives an overview of the Underwater Program, and includes information on the Belle Shipwreck, one of La Salle's ships recently discovered by the THC in the summer of 1995.

The Institute for Marine Archaeology (IMA)

This non-profit group, based in New York, is dedicated to the survey, field research, and educational programs of historic and prehistoric sites in North America. One of its goals is to involve the sport diving community with underwater cultural resource management.

Zone II

The site includes images, text, and a list of publications produced by GLV/R as part of several projects. The GLV/R web page features images from the underwater archaeological excavation of the Great Lakes scow schooner ROCKAWAY at South Haven, Michigan, by permission of the Michigan Coastal Zone Management Program. The digital imaging section includes information on the creation and use of the Video Mosaic Imaging System (TM) on various terrestrial and underwater maritime sites. In addition, I encourage you to view the excellent non-maritime photography of GLV/R partner Harley J. Seeley.

Department of Navy's Naval Historical Center and Underwater Archaeology Branch

The State of Florida Underwater Archaeology Program

The state of Florida has one of the most extensive state programs in martime archaeology. Part of the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research, the state underwater archaeologists have conducted excavations sites including the Emmanual Point wreck, and have established an impressive array of Underwater Archaeological Preserves.

Minerals Management Service

The Minerals Management Service (MMS) web site now has information regarding the archaeological regulations and survey requirements imposed on the oil and gas industry operating in Federal waters. The MMS is an agency within the US Department of Interior that is responsible for managing offshore mineral resources.

Institute of Maritime History

The IMH is a non-profit research and educational organization based in Maine. IMH is dedicated to studying, through archaeological and historical research, seafaring in the northeastern United States and beyond. This page highlights the organization and current projects such as the excavation of the schooner Anabella.

The New Jersey Historical Divers Association

This site provides information on certain New Jersey shipwrecks, allows visitors to see images of artifacts, and allows access to archival material.

Swedish Underwater Archaeology Society

The Swedish Underwater Archaeology Society, or MAS, was founded in 1977 and is a forum for divers, archaeologists, and anyone else interested in maritime history. Both Swedish and English sites are available.

Surface Interval Diving Company

Company based in North Carolina that specializes in marine archaeology.

The Naval Institute

The Naval Institute is dedicated to the preservation of the science and history of sea power and to naval history in general. They also manage the Naval Institute Press which has their entire catalogue of publications online.

The National Park Service's Underwater Archaeology Program

The National Park Service, led by pioneer in the field George Fischer, has been investigating underwater sites as early as the 1960's. In 1972 the Park Service's underwater archaeology program was initiated at the Southeast Archaeological Center (SEAC) under the direction of Fischer, now faculty at Florida State University. A seperate agency was created in 1980, the Submerged Cultural Resources Unit (SCRU), directed by Dan Lenihan (a graduate of FSU). SCRU is now one of the premier agencies investigating shipwrecks throughout the United States and overseas.

Underwater Archaeology Division of the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology

The South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropoogy (SCIAA) was founded in 1963 as a state research institute and cultural resource agency at the University of South Carolina. SCIAA manages the state's underwater heritage and conducts underwater archaeological research in state waters.

Maritime Archaeology Program of the New South Wales Heritage Office, Australia

The Heritage Office is a State Government agency with responsibilities under the New South Wales Heritage Act 1977. The Director of the Heritage Office is also the State delegate for admininstration of the Commonwealth of Australia's Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976. This web site includes information about the NSW Maritime Archaeology Program and also links to other relevant home pages in Australia, including the the Australian Institute for Maritime Archaeology's (AIMA) National Historic Shipwreck Database.

European Government Agencies Dealing with Shipwrecks

This page is provided by the Nordic Archaeology Webpage and is a list of several European countries and what authority in each is responsible for managing underwater cultural resources.

Australian Government Agencies Responsible for Shipwrecks

This pages lists the various state agencies and their contact information responsible for Australia's underwater cultural resource management.

India's Marine Archaeology Program

This page is sponsored by India's National Institute of Oceanograpy. This page gives information on India's program of researching historic seafaring through the study of sunken ports, cities, and wrecked ships. There is a brief discussion on the historical seafaring in the Indian Ocean, and then more information on individual projects.

Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project

RIMAP, founded in 1991, has conducted archival research and field work on sunken vessels in Rhode Islands waters. This site overviews the sites worked, the classes offered, and general information on this organization.

Maritime Archaeological and Historical Society

MAHS is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and research of maritime cultural resources and to the education of the public in this area. They hold monthly meetings, publish a MAHSNews, conduct field work and sponsor underwater archaeological field courses.

North Carolina's Underwater Archaeology Unit

This state agency is in charge of protecting, preserving, surveying and excavating North Carolina's shipwrecks and other underwater sites. The Unit works with individuals, dive clubs, and other institutions to inventory North Carolinan underwater sites.

Irish Underwater Archaeological Research Team

This organization conducts surveys and excavations on Irelands submerged historical and prehistoric sites. This webpage provides details on past and present training and research projects.

Gruppo Archeologico Torinese

This is an Italian organization devoted to the protection, utilization, and safeguard of Italy's archaeological heritige. This page includes information on projects, excavations, and other activities.

The Australian National Centre of Excellence for Maritime Archaeology

The Australian National Centre of Excellence for Maritime Archaeology provides a resource base for the advancement of maritime archaeology and maritime archaeological conservation nationally and internationally, to a standard of excellence, to a client group which includes the Australian delegated authorities and practitioners. The Centre supports many shipwreck projects within Australia, as well as others in the Philipines, China, the Netherlands, and elsewhere. Major objectives of the Centre include research, community access, education and training, and technical innovation.

The Marine Archaeology Branch of the Israel Antiquities Authority

The Marine Archaeology Branch of the IAA is the authorized body in charge of the Underwater Archaeological heritage of Israel. Their activities include evaluation of antiquities discovered in underwater sites, underwater cultural resource management and protection, and the organization of exhibitions and displays as well as educational activities.

The ICOMOS Charter on the Protection and Management of Underwater Cultural Heritage

The International Council of Monuments and Sites has created a consistent and comprehensive set of codes to which professionals and heritage organizations can commit themselves to or use to create thei$ own, more stringent codes of practice when dealing with cultural resources underwater. ICOMOS ratified the Charter on the Protection and Management of Underwater Cultural Heritage on October 9, 1996 in Sofia.

Thailand's Underwater Archaeology Program

The Thai Underwater Archaeology page details the history of Thailand's shipwreck archaeology. Thai archaeologists from the Underwater Archaeology Division of the Fine Arts Department have been conducting underwater excavations since 1976. This page has infomation and images from many shipwreck projects from within the Gulf of Thailand. The webpage is especially rich in ceramic artifact images.

Institute for Exploration

This is Bob Ballard's underwater research and exploration institute. Under the heading "Research" there is a thumbnail sketch of the Skerki Bank/Mediterranean Sea archaeological program, including images from the trip.

Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association

WUAA is a non-profit volunteer ogranization dedicated to helping understand, catalog and promote Wisconsin's underwater historical resources. Members work closely with the State Historical Society of Wisconsin and other organizations involved with the management of Wisconsin's submerged cultural resources. The group publishes a newsletter, Underwater Heritage, and sponsor statewide and local meetings. This page also includes information on training, members, and upcoming events.

NUMA

NUMA (National Underwater and Marine Agency) is the organization founded in 1979 by best-selling author Clive Cussler. NUMA's goal is primarily to survey to discover historic shipwrecks. They have done surveys all over the United States and have located over 60 shipwrecks, including the Confederate submarine Hunley in South Carolina.

Ships of Discovery

Ships of Discovery is a nautical archaeology research institution dedicated to the study of Europe's ships of exploration and discovery in the late 15th and 16th centuries. Based in Corpus Christi, Texas, this group has surveyed and recorded a number of these enigmatic vessels. This extensive webpage provides information on these shipwrecks, marine archaeology activities, archival research, experimental archaeology, 16th century shipbuilding techniques, artifact conservation, and other aspects of ships of discovery research.

Ontario Marine Heritage Committee

The Ontario Marine Heritage Committee (OMHC) was formed in 1975 by a local group of divers and historians. One of the organization's first projects was the study of the Hope Island Wreck, eventually indentified as the Marquette. Since then the group has worked on, monitored, and recorded a number of other shipwrecks and maritime sites in the Great Lakes. Another webpage also has information on Ontario's maritime heritage.

Network for Underwater Archaeology (NUA) - Ireland

This working group is comprised of individuals from state agencies, academia, and commercial companies based in Ireland. NUA was established in October 1998 as a network of institutions actively involved in research on the underwater archaeology on the island of Ireland. The network comprises researchers from various backgrounds including maritime lacustrine and inter-tidal archaeology, geophysics, sedimentology, and geomorphology; all with the aim of focusing expertise in a multidisciplinary network comprising academia, state agencies, commercial companies and other institutions involved in underwater archaeology in Ireland.

Research Unit for the Archaeology of Cape Town (RESUNACT), at the University of Cape Town, South Africa

Society for Underwater Exploration

The purpose of the the non-profit Society is to inform and involve the general public on global maritime heritage through television programming, the World Wide Web, books and CD-Roms and other media. The Society sponsors research, exploration and excavation activities around the world aimed at finding and recovering or preserving underwater shipwrecks and other underwater sites of special historical and cultural significance. The Society also organizes and conducts educational programs to acquaint the interested public with the findings, scientific methodology, historical context and cultural significance of these exploration, restoration and recovery activities.

Underwater Archaeological Society of British Columbia (UASBC)

The UASBC is a group of volunteer avocational and professional underwater archaeologists who conserve, preserve, and protect the maritime heritage lying beneath British Columbia's coastal and inland waters. The webpage presents information on the organization, amateur archaeology in British Columbia, current projects, and research reports.

Centre for Maritime Archaeology (CMA) at the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland

The Centre for Maritime Archaeology (CMA) at the University of Ulster was formed in February 1999, and is jointly funded by the University and by the Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland). It's faculty consists of experts in maritime archaeology and marine archaeological geophysics as well as several research archaeologists from DoE's coastal archaeology unit. The Centre is engaged in a variety of research projects and offers a Master of Science course in Maritime Archaeology

High Resolution Marine Seismology Group, Southampton University

The High Resolution Marine Seismology Group, associated with Southampton University's Centre for Maritime Archaeology, has been investigating the applications of high resolution seismology to marine archaeological mapping and surveys since 1994 using Chirp and sidescan sonar devices. Current work is focussed upon the inter-tidal seismic survey, site formation and seismic stratigraphic investigation of inundated landscapes. This webpage provides information on the history of the program, staff-members, current research, publications, equipment, and applicable links.

Centro Nacional de Arqueologia Nautica e Subaquatica

This agency is in charge of underwater archaeology in Portugal and the Azores. The webpage, which is in Portuguese, provides information on the agency, current research and projects, and shipwrecks in Portuguese waters. A well-developed English version of the page presents information on the wrecks in Angra Bay, Azores (shipwreck sites Angra A, Angra B, Angra C, Angra D, Lidador and Run'Her), a historical background of the Azores, notes on a bronze 15th century culverin, an overview of the 1998 project, as well as information concerning the more than 900 shipwrecks of the Azores Islands. (the English version of the page is at http://www.terravista.pt/Mussulo/2386/index1.html)

The Netherlands Institute for Ship and Underwater Archaeology (NISA) and ROB

NISA, the Nederlands Instituut voor Scheeps- en onderwaterArcheologie, is the government agency in the Netherlands that deals with shipwrecks and underwater archaeological sites. A specifically maritime section of the ROB, or State Service for Archaeological Investigations in the Netherlands, NISA was established originally during the ambitious land reclamation projects which partitioned the Zuiderzee, making the sea dry land, and exposed a profusion of shipwrecks from all time periods. The Netherlands and Dutch culture have a rich tradition of seafaring, water transport, and maritime trade, and NISA is dedicated to studying these culture traits through underwater archaeology. This webpage contains information on NISA, their archaeological projects, and shipwrecks, and their excellent series of publications (some of which are in English). This link actually connects to the ROB master webpage, so that you must click on NISA to get to the scheepsarcheologie webpages. The websites are in Dutch.

The Center for Historical Archaeology (CHA)

Created in 1990 as a scientific non-profit organization, the Center for Historical Archaeology provides archival research in French, English, and Spanish archives, underwater shipwreck site assessments, and material culture analysis. The Center's director, John de Bry, is an accomplished paleographer specializing in 16th, 17th, and 18th century manuscript documents related to voyages of exploration, colonization, and exploitation of the New World, as well as maritime traffic between the Old Continent and the Americas, with an emphasis on the French colonial period. The CHA has served as s consulting agency for many government and private organizations on a variety of shipwreck sites and research projects.

This organization is dedicated to the maritime heritage of New Zealand. With both Polynesian and European maritime traditions, New Zealand has a rich and divers maritime history. The page provides information on the organization, current projects, details on New Zealand's shipwrecks and maritime history, and an updated "Shipwreck Anniversary" for the current day.