underwater cultural heritage challenges to the office of coast survey

U.S. HYDRO 2009Presented by John

MacekCartographer, NOAA

Four Topics to ExploreUnderwater Cultural HeritageHydrographic Surveys DivisionMarine Chart DivisionThe “Challenge”

Underwater Cultural HeritageAnthropogenicUnderwater“Old”

Vrouw Maria, Gulf of Finland

AnthropogenicMade by humans

Port Royal, Jamaica

Underwater

SS Portland(L3-Klein Sonar Associates)

OldThe definition of “old” varies.

Roman coin found in the wreck of La Salle’s ship La Belle.

Hydrographic Survey DivisionConducts surveys and provides data.Serves as liaison with archaeologists.

Marine Chart DivisionReceives survey (and other) data.Produces nautical charts.

Office of Coast Survey - MissionOur mission is to provide products and

services that ensure safe and efficient maritime commerce.

However, under the National Historic Preservation Act, the Coast Survey must take into account the effects of its undertakings on historic properties.

The ChallengeHow do the divisions of the Office of Coast

Survey handle underwater cultural heritage?

Two unidentified wrecks off the Virginia Capes.

SolutionsCommunicationEducation

Collection of artifacts fromLa Belle.

Further ReadingHydrographic Surveys Division Surveys and

Wrecks http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/hsd/hydrog.htm

National Marine Sanctuaries http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation http://www.achp.gov/

UNESCO Underwater Cultural Heritage http://www.unesco.org/culture/en/underwater