Bateaux Below underwater archaeologist Joseph W. Zarzynski (left) and Darrin Fresh Water Institute freshwater biologist John Wimbush (right) during fieldwork at the submerged 1758 military wharf at Lake George (photo courtesy of Bob Benway / Bateaux Below, Inc.).

What is Underwater Archaeology?

Underwater archaeology is the scientific study of people from the past that is conducted in a submerged environment through the discovery and examination of material culture (objects produced by human beings). This might include archaeological survey, inventory, and excavation. Underwater archaeology is not treasure hunting or indiscriminate artifact collecting.

Underwater photograph of the shallow end of Bateau C, one of the 1758 bateau wrecks at the "Wiawaka Bateaux" site (Photograph courtesy of Dr. Russ Bellico / Bateaux Below, Inc.).

Sketch of an underwater archaeologist at the 1758 Land Tortoise radeau shipwreck (sketch by Linda Schmidt; courtesy of Joseph W. Zarzynski).



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