Marine Archaeology

Experience

GEMS added marine archaeology to its services in 2008 to address our clients’ need for cultural resource evaluations, surveys, assessment, and reporting. Our goal is to provide the same high standard of quality, care, and professionalism in our archaeological services as we do in our other disciplines. Our archaeological staff has experience with:

  • Shallow water surveys and excavations
  • Deepwater surveys, assessments, and excavations
  • AUV and ROV investigations

We integrate the archaeological and geophysical aspects of site investigation to provide a comprehensive area assessment and assess the potential impact development may have on archaeological sites. Geological and cultural resource evaluations often use essentially the same data which allows the two assessments to be conducted simultaneously. Our geologists and archaeologists work together to evaluate an area’s geological and archaeological signatures.

GEMS archaeologists assist with survey planning, survey equipment recommendations, survey QA/QC, reporting, mitigation recommendations, and governmental correspondence. Our staff has experience planning, running, reporting and overseeing AUV, ROV, conventional and diver assisted surveys.

Capabilities

Our staff specializes in:

  • Survey planning for conventional and AUV archaeological surveys.
  • Pre-project planning to maximize data returns in high potential archaeological areas
  • Shallow water surveys and assessments including equipment selection, field survey oversight, and interpretation
  • Deepwater archaeological assessments for area studies, pipeline route surveys, and site specific surveys
  • Diver assisted surveys utilizing commercial divers taking into account underwater hazards and environmental concerns related to safety
  • ROV archaeological investigations
  • Interfacing with the MMS to gain survey approval; assist with pre-project planning, survey implementation and oversight; and reporting
  • Mitigation, operations, and recommendations when historically significant resources are discovered.

GEMS is pleased to assist you with any archaeological assessments. Our staff is timely and professional in their operations. Our success is in identifying problems early within an area, and thus, shortening the time to complete the project. GEMS’ staff can handle all of your archaeological needs including planning, permitting requirements, setting up surveys and even mitigation actions required by the MMS.

To download a pdf of our Marine Archaeology service sheet, click HERE.