ECO: What purposes do archeological explorations traditionally serve?
Underwater archaeological assessments are usually undertaken during the design phase of a project and prior to any in-water impacts in order to identify and protect any potential submerged cultural resources. These projects can include harbor redevelopments, pipeline installations, subsurface cable installations, and the development of offshore wind farms, to name a few.
ECO: What is the general process for such an archeological assessment?
Underwater archaeological assessments generally follow similar workflows. Background research is conducted to develop an understanding of the historical context of a given area and can provide an assessment of the underwater archaeological potential. At this stage, it is important to include engagement with relevant Indigenous communities, as they play a key role in providing Indigenous context to a project area and may be provide a better understanding of the project area through oral traditions or other knowledge not known to researchers.
Parks Canada underwater archaeologist Marc-André Bernier carefully excavates a seamen’s chest in the forecastle on the lower deck of HMS Erebus. (Image credit: Parks Canada)
Next, a remote sensing survey can be conducted either by underwater archaeologists or marine surveyors to identify the potential targets of cultural relevance. The next phase is usually target identification, through the use of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), or snorkel/diver surveys. If a submerged cultural resource is successfully identified, it is documented, and the archaeologists and participating Indigenous communities then assess its cultural significance and develop a mitigation plan. Avoidance and protection are usually the first recommendations for cultural resources.
ECO: What kinds of technologies do you rely on to complete underwater surveys and search efforts of this nature?
We use a number of technologies and techniques depending on the area of the project, the makeup of the bottom, depth, safety considerations, and potential project impacts. This includes magnetometry, side scan sonar, multibeam sonar, sub-bottom profiling, ROVs, AUVs. We also regularly use photogrammetry to record underwater archaeological features. Using an ROV or divers, archaeological resources can be photographed and developed into a 3D model which can be used to provide accurate measurements, development of a site plan, and serve as a baseline for short- and long-term monitoring and identifying significant changes.
ECO: Tell us about the recent investigation on the Franklin Expedition shipwreck?
Stantec, through its Indigenous business partnership with Stantec Nunami, was contracted by Parks Canada to assist with developing a generalized numerical model of wind, wave, and water level exposure in the area surrounding the Franklin Wrecks to develop a baseline understanding of how natural events may be impacting the environmental conditions and how climate change may affect these events. This investigation provides quantifiable data that augment the anecdotal observations made by the Parks Canada underwater archaeologists while on site. The model can simulate current and potential future wave heights, water levels, and currents around the wrecks during calm days and stormy events to determine how vulnerable the wrecks may be to future environmental conditions.
ECO: What are the common operational challenges when conducting subsea exploration surveys and projects?
The biggest challenges are the logistics of collecting quality data in remote areas (in the case of the Franklin Wrecks—the Arctic) of the world and their associated costs. However, new technologies, in particular the development of cost-effective AUVs, are driving clear operational efficiencies when it comes to subsea exploration. AUVs can be equipped with numerous sensor packages and collect large amounts of data over a long period of time. We can also deploy oceanographic moorings for a year, or more, and collect valuable seasonal subsea data. This technology improves our understanding of the impacts on the environment of cultural assets, infrastructure, and people.
ECO: Has cross discipline—mainly marine science and archology—collaboration grown at Stantec?
More and more, of our work is cross sector and collaborative. Data can serve dual purposes for archeology and marine science. One multidisciplinary example is the use of environmental DNA (eDNA). Stantec is a very large adopter of eDNA—it can be used as a proxy to date the timeline of a wreck while also serving a purpose for something like a marine environmental impact assessment. There are lots of ways we can use eDNA to help our geological models know what’s going on in the past. For instance, in a riverine environment, if a geological layer indicates there was salmon at one point that is no longer currently present, you can use those submerged historical remains as a timepoint indicator. Outside of eDNA, other data collected in archeological surveys, like bathymetry, depth, and soil classification, can also be used for marine surveys.
ECO: What other multidisciplinary marine services are offered by Stantec?
Stantec’s marine service offerings continue to expand. Harnessing multidisciplinary methods and practices bolsters Stantec’s ability to address the increased vulnerability of cultural sites from coastal erosion, sea ice retreat, increased storm activity, and more. Our full suite of services—coastal engineering and design; coastal and marine restoration; climate change adaption and mitigation, to name a few—provide key data sets to make defensible decisions.
To find out more about Stantec and their recent projects, visit: www.stantec.com
This feature appeared in Environment, Coastal & Offshore (ECO) Magazine’s 2024 Spring edition Marine Exploration, to read more access the magazine here.
