Shipwreck Ecology

Summary

This is a forum/panel proposal presented at the 2021 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

Shipwrecks are important components of the marine environment. Like whale and wood falls, shipwrecks can support unique biological communities and serve as “stepping-stones.” Locally controlled site formation processes by which all shipwrecks deteriorate are coupled with recruitment of benthic invertebrates and fish, community succession, and anthropogenic disturbances. Understanding of faunal assemblages and community structure associated with shipwrecks is in its infancy. Even less is understood about how shipwrecks influence ecological processes, such as larval dispersal. Recent research has highlighted the importance of such information, as scientists pose questions that can only be addressed by integrating archaeology and ecology. This panel brings together marine archaeologists and ecologists working on shipwreck ecology projects. The discussion will focus on shipwreck ecology and the potential for shipwrecks to answer key ecological questions. Many of the shipwrecks being studied, including Portland and Battle of the Atlantic casualties, are managed or protected by the federal government.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Forum / Panel Proposals   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2021

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology