News and Events Header Graphic


   Director's Message
   Regions

   Themes
      Community & Partners
      Maritime Heritage
      Education & Outreach
      Resource Protection
      Science & Exploration

   Sites

      Channel Islands
      Cordell Bank
      Fagatele Bay
      Florida Keys
      Flower Garden Banks
      Gray's Reef
      Gulf of the Farallones
      Hawaiian Islands
        Humpback Whale

      Monitor
      Monterey Bay
      Northwestern
        Hawaiian Islands

      Olympic Coast
      Stellwagen Bank
      Thunder Bay

NOAA logo

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

Tiny Instruments Help Locate Shipwrecks

Diver with Instruments
Click here for a video demonstrating this underwater work. (Photo credit: Robert V. Schwemmer, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary)
Marine scientists and researchers working in the national marine sanctuaries are always looking for new and better ways to improve our understanding of the ocean world. Their efforts and the application of improved technology, leads to more effective ways to make necessary management decisions that enhance the future of the sanctuaries and of our maritime cultural heritage.  And sometimes, the biggest strides in science and exploration come from the tiniest of instruments.

One example of the many uses of advanced technology occurred last year in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Working with the Channel Islands National Park and Coastal Maritime Archaeology Resources, scientists from the California sanctuary installed eight datums over a five-day mission that will improve accurate measurements for recording current positions of submerged artifacts.

These 1-inch, non-ferrous posts were installed at the shipwreck sites of the Winfield Scott and Aggi in the sanctuary. The shipwreck sites offers a unique opportunity to study mid nineteenth-century ship construction and propulsion design. Each datum will serve as a reference point for conducting archaeological research and for establishing permanent camera positions for recording still and videotape documentation of major artifacts. The datums will establish a baseline of information that archaeologists can use for evaluating human and environmental impacts on Channel Island shipwreck sites. 

Please visit the Channel Islands shipwreck database to learn why the vessels wrecked and the fate of their passengers. 

leaving site indicates a link leaves the site. Please view our Link Disclaimer for more information.
Revised September 11, 2023 by Sanctuaries Web Team | Contact Us | Web Site Owner: National Ocean Service
National Ocean Service | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | Privacy Policy | For Employees | User Survey
http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/includes/np_footer.html