Isles of Scilly IFCA Collaboration: Integrating archaeological objectives with marine ecological surveys
Author(s): Antony Firth
The Isles of Scilly Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority (IFCA) initiated this project by seeking to add an archaeological dimension to a habitat survey, by the University of Plymouth, planned for summer 2019. The initiative offered to further the relationship between IFCAs and archaeologists, as historic wrecks appear to play a role as fish aggregators / nurseries / refuges, having an ecological importance individually and as networks of ‘stepping stones’ at regional scales. Adverse weather limited archaeological attendance during the survey to one day, 13th June 2019. However, three targets were successfully imaged: two bathymetric anomalies and one known wreck, the SS Beechpark torpedoed in 1917. The two bathymetric anomalies proved likely to be natural in origin. On the wreck of the SS Beechpark, key benthic species included plumose anemones, hydroids, elegant anemone, Devonshire cup coral, hydroid and bryozoan turf, dead man’s fingers and encrusting sponges. The data acquired and reviewed by the University of Plymouth using the towed underwater video (TUV) adds to the evidence for historic wrecks in UK waters, providing distinct habitats that contribute to marine ecosystems from which multiple ecosystem services are derived. The project also successfully demonstrated the use of TUVs in obtaining imagery relating to the archaeological character of seabed features otherwise known only from geophysical or bathymetric data. The success of this trial is an important step towards more extensive interdisciplinary research that will help Isles of Scilly IFCA to achieve long-term sustainability of its local fisheries whilst conserving and enhancing the marine environment.
- Report Number:
- 200/2020
- Series:
- Other
- Pages:
- 26
- Keywords:
- Marine Wreck
