aima newsletter · 8 2017 aima conference info 9 news from nt 13 2016 activity summary: cosmos...

AIMA NEWSLETTER

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www.aima-underwater.org.au/

Australasian Institute for Maritime Archaeology

ABN 37 830 874 307 • Registration No. A0820044J Western Australia Associations Incorporations Act 1987 Section 18(6) • ISSN 1446–8948Australasian Institute of Maritime Archaeology Inc. • Department of Maritime Archaeology • WA Museum • 47 Cliff St • Fremantle WA 6160

River Murray Side Scan Survey

IssueIN THIS

Volume 35 Issues 3 & 4 December 2016

by Amer Khan, Alex Moss and Brad Duncan

1 River Murray Side Scan Survey (cont. p.5)

2 AIMA Presidents message 3 News from SA 8 2017 AIMA Conference Info 9 News from NT 13 2016 Activity Summary: Cosmos

Archaeology 17 News from QLD 20 AIMA Executive as at Dec 2016

Staff from the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources undertook a side scan survey for shipwreck remains near the Murray River towns of Morgan and Mannum, in June 2016. The survey areas were selected based on reports of known shipwrecking events along the river.

The objectives of the survey were to precisely determine the position of known shipwrecks within the survey areas, locate reported but as yet un-located shipwrecks, and determine site extent of all shipwrecks located.

The project was funded by the National Historic Shipwrecks Program and delivered with the support of SA Water, the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, the Mannum Dock Museum, and Maritime Heritage Surveys.

Image 1 (Top). A historical photo of PS Corowa. Image 2 (Bottom). Brad Duncan and Amer Khan survey the wreck of the barge Loxton at

Morgan (A.Moss 2016)

http://www.aima-underwater.org.au

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AIMA Newsletter December 2016| Volume 35| Issues 3 & 4 ISSN 1446–8948

President Report

Welcome to the combined edition for last half of 2016 (covering July - December).

During the third quarter of 2016, AIMA wrote a detailed submission to the proposed amendments to the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1981 (South Australia). In the submission we supported the increase of penalties to match inflation and better reflect the seriousness of the offences. We also noted that an expiation system allows for efficient compliance for more routine offences, whilst allowing the officer discretion to elevate the matter.

The submission also provided the opportunity to commend the government’s ongoing commitment to the protection of its historic shipwrecks, but clarify that shipwrecks constitute only part of Australia’s rich Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH). The submission noted that the South Australian Government was a signatory to the Australian UCH Intergovernmental Agreement 2010. This included a commitment to meet international best practice as outlined in the Annex of the Convention and to administer legislation to protect, manage conserve and interpret all significant UCH. Thanks to AIMA Vice President Cass Philippou for drafting the response.

The final quarter of 2016 was dominated by the IKUWA6

From the President’s deskConference held in Perth and our Annual General Meeting (AGM) which was held at the conference.

At the AGM a new Executive and Council were formed with a number of changes to key positions. I continue as President and Ross Anderson continues as Senior Vice President. Welcome to Celeste Jordan as our new Secretary and Phyllis Coxhill as Treasurer. Phyllis had worked tirelessly for AIMA as our AO and it’s now wonderful to welcome her to the Executive.

Welcome also to Matt Carter and Danielle Wilkinson to the Vice President positions. Thanks to Charlotte Looram, Amer Khan and Cassandra Philippou for their contributions to Executive in 2016.

We also have a change in the Bulletin editor with Jennifer Rodrigues retiring from the position and Mark Polzer stepping up. Thanks Jen for all your hard work! Thanks also to Amer Khan for being the chairperson of the AIMA dive work group over 2016.

Finally, congratulations to Kurt Bennet as the recipient of the 2016 AIMA scholarship!

Reports from officer bearers were delivered at the AGM, and the general membership passed a number of strategic resolutions that are worth noting.

These were to:

• Form a committee to update the AIMA Constitution

• Form a diving committee

• Agree to a name change and a new strategic direction for the Bulletin

• Offer two members of Council observer status to Executive, for succession planning

• Update the membership management system

• Run a stall at the Australia International Diving Show

• Commit to a 2017 conference in Adelaide and a joint 2018 conference with ASHA in NSW

I look forward to working on these and other initiatives with you all in 2017. Enjoy the newsletter.

Regards

David Steinberg

President

December 2016

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AIMA Newsletter December 2016 | Volume 35 Issues 3 & 4ISSN 1446–8948

South Australia

Australasia NEWS

Community consultation completed for South Australia’s Historic Shipwreck Act amendments.

Amendments to the South Australian Historic Shipwrecks Act 1981 have been proposed to update compliance provisions that have not been updated since the Act first came into operation in 1981.

It is anticipated that increasing penalty amounts and the introduction of infringement notices will help deter illegal

activity in relation to historic shipwrecks and associated protected zones. Community consultation about the proposed changes concluded on 24 June 2016 after inviting public feedback through the Government’s yourSay.gov.au website, newspaper advertisement, DEWNR blog and twitter channels, and letters to key stakeholders. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly supportive of the proposed changes. Progression of the Bill to amend the Act is continuing.

Image 1. The yourSay.gov.au website for public consultation of the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1981 amendments.

Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR).

Historic Shipwreck relic recording and registration.

Over the past 18 months in excess of 5,000 historic shipwreck relics held at the DEWNR maritime heritage conservation facility at Netley have been recorded and registered. The relics come from historic shipwrecks across the state, some having been

in the State Heritage Unit’s custody since the 1980s. The project aimed to address the need for consistent recording and registration of shipwreck relics before being transferred to public collections. While some items in the collection still require further conservation work, a significant proportion of the collection is now ready for public viewing, thus paving the way for their transfer to metro and regional museums in South Australia.

A relic recording project to record and register the shipwreck relic collections already held by a number of regional museums was undertaken in April 2016. The project identified over 200 previously unregistered relics. The project focused on collections at the Kingston (SE) National Trust Museum, Millicent National Trust Museum, the Beachport Old Wool and Grain Store Museum.

Image 2. A registered historic relic from the wreck of the Admela (P.Straiton 2016).

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Hawthorn sign unveiling and relic transfers.

The South Australian Minister of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Hon Ian Hunter MLC, attended an event in the State’s South East, in November 2015, to unveil an interpretative sign related to the historic shipwreck Hawthorn.

The Hawthorn, built in 1875 and wrecked off the beach near Carpenter Rocks in 1949, had been provisionally declared a historic shipwreck under the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 in January 2013. The Hawthorn is significant as one of the longest serving ketches in South Australian history.

During the proceedings, custody of over 100 historic shipwreck relics were transferred from DEWNR’s relic store to museums in the South East, including the Kingston (SE) National Trust Museum, Millicent National Trust Museum, the Beachport Old Wool and Grain Store Museum, and the Port MacDonnell and District Maritime Museum.

Image 3. The Minister of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR), the Hon. Ian Hunter MLC, with Sandy Pitcher, Chief Executive Officer of DEWNR unveiling the sign for the shipwreck Hawthorn. (S.Carter 2015)

Successful Prosecutions for illegal activities.

There have been 22 successful prosecutions in relation to unpermitted entry into the protected zones around the Zanoni and HMAS Hobart shipwrecks.

The 135-year-old wreck of the Historic Shipwreck Zanoni has unique and outstanding significance as the most complete 19th-century

composite merchant vessel shipwrecked in South Australia. Built in 1865 in Liverpool, the 44m cargo ship disappeared without a trace in 1867 and remained lost for close to 120 years when its final resting place was discovered near Ardrossan 1983. The HMAS

Hobart was a Charles F Adam class guided missile destroyer and served in the Australian Navy for 35 years. Nicknamed the ’Green Ghost’, HMAS Hobart completed three tours of Vietnam in 1967, 1968 and 1970. The HMAS Hobart was sunk near Yankalilla in 2002

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Image 4. Members of the survey team, (from left) Alex Moss, Amer Khan and Brad Duncan (A.Virag 2016)

River Murray Side Scan Survey Cont. from front cover

Over a dozen anomalies were identified during the survey including a number

of sites which appear to be the unambiguous remains of shipwrecks.

At least five previously unknown shipwrecks have been located which will be added to the South Australian Register of Historic Shipwrecks.

Of particular interest was an area along the western riverbank adjacent to Mannum, thought to be the last known location of the PS Mary Ann. Built in 1850, she was the first paddle steamer on the River Murray.

A sonar image of the river bed is being developed as an additional outcome from the survey, which may shed further light on whether any submerged remains of the PS Mary Ann are present along the Mannum riverbank.

Further remote sensing work is being planned in Murray Bridge where there is known to be a high concentration of riverine shipwrecks.

to form an artificial reef and dive tourism site. While two very different types of sites, impact resulting from fishing and vessels anchoring on these shipwrecks has potential to cause significant damage. Both sites are within marine park sanctuary zones where fishing is also prohibited under the Marine Parks Act 2007.

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Image 5. Some exampleS of reSultS from the SIde Scan Sonar Survey. new dIScoverIeS of Sunken veSSelS at mannum. (a.moSS 2016).

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Image 6. Some exampleS of reSultS from the SIde Scan Sonar Survey. pS corowa (top) and barge crowIe (bottome) at morgan. (a.moSS 2016).

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AIMA 2017 Conference: Adelaide, South Australia - 22nd and 23rd September 2017

The 2017 AIMA Conference will be held in cooperation with Flinders University and South Australian Maritime Museum.

Since its beginnings about 50 years ago, Maritime Archaeology in Australia has developed into a rich discipline acknowledging and including multi-layered and varied aspects of cultural heritage. The country’s longstanding Indigenous maritime history, cultural contacts with Macassan seafarers and Europeans in the post-contact period, as well as the archaeological record formed since the colonial period, all contribute to our extremely rich and unique tangible cultural heritage. Australia’s maritime cultural heritage includes the archaeological remains of coastal settlements and towns, submerged cultural landscapes, seafaring, fishing, maritime infrastructure, harbours, lighthouses, shipwrecks, jetties and wharfs, riverine communities, watercraft, and archaeological sites related to boat building, sealing, whaling, and pearling). This tangible heritage is intimately entangled with the multiple layers of intangible heritage, from myths to daily practices, languages, traditions and crafts of local cultures.

The 2017 AIMA conference theme Claimed by the Sea covers both tangible and related intangible cultural heritage in order to provide a complete and holistic picture of maritime archaeological studies and projects of societal importance. Maritime archaeology today is multidisciplinary and combines approaches and methodologies of cultural heritage preservation, museology, social sciences and humanities, and environmental sciences.

Proposed Conference Sessions and Chairs:

1. Collecting the Sea (Corioli Souter & Britt Burton)

2. Maritime Connections (Mark Polzer & Omaima El Deeb)

3. Indigenous Coastal Archaeology in Australasia (Mick Morrison)

4. Archaeology of Ships (Kurt Bennett & Ross Anderson)

5. Ports, Harbours and Anchorages (Cosmos Coroneos & Katarina Jerbić)

6. Maritime Cultural Landscape (Maddy Fowler)

7. Deep History of Sea Time (Jonathan Benjamin & Ingrid Ward)

8. Shipwrecks of the Roaring Fourties (Alistair Paterson, Jeremy Green & Maddy McAllister)

9. New Technologies and Maritime Archaeology (James Hunter & John McCarthy)

10. Conservation and Archaeological Science (Vicki Richards)

11. Landscapes as Living Bodies, Rivers as Lifeblood (Ian Moffat and Amy Roberts)

12. Student Projects in Maritime Archaeology (Peta Straiton)

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Image 1. JapaneSe pearlIng mother-ShIp aSahI maru wIth pearlIng luggerS, bouchaut bay, arnhem land 1938, (arguS 6/8/1938 Supplement)

Northern Territory

The historic shipwreck Sanyo Maru – a brief report on the 2016 fieldwork

In November 2016 a team made up of maritime archaeologists and a conservator joined an expedition to the historic shipwreck Sanyo Maru, led by the author, from the NT Heritage Branch, Department of Tourism and Culture, Northern Territory Government. The Japanese pearling mothership Sanyo Maru was built in 1935 and sank in 1937. The wreck, located in open ocean 50 kilometres northeast of Maningrida off the Arnhem Land coast, is one of the Northern Territory’s most significant and intact shipwreck sites.

Brief site discovery and management history

The Sanyo Maru was flagged as a shipwreck of archaeological interest in the May 2001 report titled Preliminary survey for historic shipwrecks in the Maningrida region by David Steinberg, Museum and Art Gallery of the NT (MAGNT) and Peter Danaja, Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation (BAC). This work located and reported on an historic position for the wreck, found in 1937 correspondence between Australian and Japanese authorities.

This historic position was provided to Kevin Slade of the Australian Hydrographic Office (AHO) who tasked the Royal Australian Navy to verify the location of the wreck when the opportunity arose. On 30 June 2001 HMAS Leeuwin and HMAS Huon recorded the site, the Leeuwin providing a side scan image and the Huon providing video shot with a Remote Operational Vehicle (ROV). Matching these results against the historical information confirmed the wreck surveyed was most likely the Sanyo Maru.

An expedition to the site was run by Paul Clark and the MAGNT in April 2002 and included the author and a small team. The team experienced poor visibility (sub metre) and big swells and so the trip was abandoned. Archaeological results were very limited, but biologists in the team did conclude that the benthic life

suggested the wreck had been down for many years, adding further weight to the likelihood it was the Sanyo Maru. Following the 2002 fieldwork the MAGNT commissioned historian Craig Wilcox to write a history report on the wreck; titled The Sanyo Maru and Japanese pearling in the Arafura Sea 1934-1938 (2006).

The author led an expedition to the site on behalf of the Heritage Branch in 2012, in which the wreck as a whole was surveyed by a team of archaeologists, and the cabin space explored (detailed in Sanyo Maru: Wreck Inspection Report, 2013). Results from the 2012 season informed the planning for the 2016 work. The site is protected under the Commonwealth’s Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976, and as an added measure a Protected Zone was declared in 2013.

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2016 objectives

The objectives of the 2016 expedition were to further map the wreck focusing on the cabin, and to conduct a small scale controlled excavation. The fieldwork was an unqualified success and, apart from isolated artefact recovery work, it stands as the first maritime archaeological excavation in the Northern Territory.

The excavation was in part justified because of threats to the site. The risks include possible disturbance, damage and salvage by divers, damage by fishing boats anchors, cyclonic events, and natural degradation reaching a structural tipping point.

Cyclonic conditions potentially create massive forces in the water column and seafloor which may cause considerable impact to the wreck. A wheelhouse was recorded intact on the site in 2001 by the Navy using remote cameras. In 2012 the wheelhouse was gone, possibly the result of cyclonic forces, a collision, or net or anchor damage. Cyclonic weather events aside, the steel hull would also be undergoing ongoing corrosion and degradation. At some point in the future, either precipitated by a single cyclonic event or through ongoing corrosion, there will be a tipping point and the steel poop deck framing will collapse onto the artefact assemblage inside the cabin. This will cause considerable physical damage to the assemblage, as well as

the loss of archaeological spatial information, and will make the surviving assemblage considerably less accessible. The structure will continue to break down and collapse.

The historic significance and current physical integrity of the wreck, and the real threats deemed that an expedition to further map the site and conduct a small controlled excavation was justified. Very little is understood about this specific period in Japanese visitation and pearling, and Japanese colleagues have acknowledged this is a significant archaeological site of shared heritage. The expedition results will provide a more comprehensive insight into the story and significance of this shipwreck, provide educational and public outcomes and assist in the site’s ongoing management and conservation.

Partners

The project was only possible with the contribution of partners and sponsors. These were:

Stakeholders consulted in the planning of the project included:

Planning

The project was directed by a Project Plan that abides by the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage 2001, in particular its Annex (Rules), and has a strong focus on the delivery of public value and outcomes. A comprehensive Research Design outlining research questions and fieldwork methodology was produced. A dive project plan and risk assessment was prepared by Mr James Parkinson. It covered how the diving work would be safely conducted, and be compliant with the Heritage Branch Dive Operation Manual 2016, departmental OHS policies, NT Work Safe, Australian Standard AS/NZS2299.1:2015 and the Work Health Safety Act and its regulations.

The fieldwork was conducted during the Doldrums in October, the interval between the Dry and Wet Season when winds and seas are at their calmest. The tidal range decreases east of Darwin,

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IImage 2. paSpaley’S nalena bay; our lIve-aboard and work platform

photo Jon carpenter

but regardless a neap tide dive window with a minimal tidal range was selected to maximise visibility. Even a slight increase in tidal range can reduce visibility.

The dive work was a SSBA (Surface Supply Breathing Apparatus) dive operation with hard helmets, and hardwired communications between divers and supervisor. SSBA mitigated many risks; providing unlimited air, voice communications between the surface and the diver and a tethered line between the boat and the diver. The helmet provided protection from concussion. Diver One had a video camera mounted to their helmet providing a live video feed to the surface. The live video feed, watched on a monitor, was also recorded on the system hard drive. The in-water communication and live video feed proved to be an invaluable fieldwork tool, as divers could be monitored and guided by the surface support team. Divers breathed 36% EAN mix (enriched air) to extend the bottom time which was limited by depth and the necessary adjustment to factor

remoteness (AS/NZS2299.1:2015). Safe Work Procedures (steps, hazards and controls) were established for the use of the water dredge.

IImage 3. author excavatIng wIth dredge. photo StIrlIng SmIth

Work and Preliminary Results

Prior to dive operations the team mapped the wreck using the Nalena Bay’s multibeam remote sensing gear and MaxSea plotting technology. The dive team first mapped the cabin space, then carried out a controlled excavation of a gridded area of the cabin. The controlled excavation was centred around cupboards and storage spaces, these furnishings and compartments providing extraordinary spacial context for the artefacts. The team also collected a small number of isolated items that were tied back to the baseline prior to excavation. Dive teams also inspected the wreck for signs of deterioration and disturbance and inspected nearby seabed anomalies identified in remote sensing. Site plans and 3D renditions of the excavation square and key cabin spaces will be outcomes in the future.

Jon Carpenter, the on-site conservator, provided immediate artefact First Aid and then packed the items for safe storage and delivery. The 77 excavated artefacts are currently undergoing conservation at the Department of Materials Conservation, Western Australian Museum. Artefacts include: table and serving-ware, such as lacquered and ceramic bowls and chopsticks; consumables; medical stores; ship systems, such as a sink and lantern; and dive equipment, particularly air hose fittings.

Post conservation, the artefacts will be accessioned into the collection of the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM). The ANMM committed to the long-term care and conservation of the collection, to exhibit the artefacts, and to provide virtual access to the collection via its digital catalogue. There are plans to develop

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IImage 5. artefact fIrSt aId; Jon carpenter removIng organIc materIal from bowl. photo davId SteInberg

IImage 4.: dIver guIdIng excavatIon cage wIth artefact tubS

photo JameS parkInSon

a travelling exhibit with the intention of it travelling to Darwin and other locations. These commitments met the project requirements including public engagement outcomes.

IImage 6. artefact Sm05, photographed In the fIeld. photo Jon carpenter

On-site conservation

Excavations resulted in the removal of shell, coarse sand deposits and artefacts. This created some cavities and shallow depressions in the relatively shallow deposits. The conservation procedure was to firstly install a layer of inert geotextile into the cavities and depressions, then to pour sterile sand over the geotextile to secure it in place, fill gaps and depressions, and provide support for in-situ material. Shade cloth (70% UV-appropriate mesh size) was laid over the sand to contain the sand bed, and then a layer of sand bags was deposited on top of the shade cloth, to physically secure the conservation materials and

underlying cultural material. This layer of sand bags also served to mark and identify the disturbed area for future research. The protective layers applied to the excavated area will retard sand movement, due to tidal currents and potential disturbance by the activities of

carpet sharks (Wobbegongs) that frequent and settle on the Sanyo Maru. Importantly, the layers of materials used will facilitate the establishment of anaerobic burial conditions that are more conducive to artefact preservation.

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Acknowledgments

A big thanks to Jon Carpenter, Ross Anderson, James Parkinson, Cos Corneous, Amer Khan, Stirling Smith, Brad Duncan and Matt Carter for their participation in the fieldwork. Their knowledge, skills, professionalism and enthusiasm made the project so successful. Also a big thank you to skipper Brett Smith and the crew of Paspaley’s Nalena Bay, who were welcoming, driven and professional, and always ready to assist. Thanks also to Jun Kimura from Tokai University, who was unable to join the fieldwork due to work commitments, but has provided ongoing advice and support.

A final thanks to Paspaley and Bhagwan Marine for their support of the project and also a well-earned thank you to Michael Wells and the leadership team of the NT Department of Tourism and Culture, who from the onset appreciated the importance and value of this project.

David Steinberg NT Heritage Branch Department of Tourism &

Culture NT Government

Below are summaries of a selection of maritime archaeological projects conducted by Cosmos Archaeology during 2016. Cosmos Archaeology is an Australian based archaeological consulting company working nationally and internationally on various projects. We specialise in historical and maritime archaeology.

New South Wales

Cudgen Creek Bridge: Archival Recording Cudgen Creek Bridge was constructed in 1959 to assist with sand

mining operations in the area. It consisted of three concrete piers and two concrete abutments with timber headstocks, beams and planking (Figure 1). The bridge was demolished and replaced in 2016. Although the bridge was not listed on any heritage register, Tweed Shire Council requested that an archival recording be undertaken prior to demolition to form a publically accessible record of the locally iconic bridge. Cosmos Archaeology undertook this recording, including underwater photography.

Cosmos Archaeology: Summary of 2016 Projects

IImage 1. Southern end of brIdge and approach (coSmoS archaeology, 25th february 2016)

Greenwell Point Heritage Stone Wharf: Statement of Heritage Impact The Greenwell Point Heritage Wharf, also referred to as the

Coolangatta Estate Wharf, was constructed in 1829 by Alexander Berry for the purpose of facilitating maritime contact between his properties in the Shoalhaven River and Sydney. It was constructed

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IImage 2: ‘wall 1’ ShowIng dISlodged blockS and collapSIng graSSed area cauSIng Safety concernS. Scale IS In 200 mm IncrementS.

from stone and expanded over the decades to its maximum extent in the 1880s. The wharf, assessed to be of State heritage significance, has since fallen under threat from on-going erosion (Figure 2). Cosmos Archaeology was engaged by Shoalhaven City Council to assess a number of concept options for stabilisation of the site due to concerns for public safety and the loss of cultural heritage significance. The eventual option chosen was the installation of bank protection in the form of vegetated rock armour along the exposed embankment, which required the least amount of excavation.

Walsh Bay Arts Precinct: Maritime Archaeological Assessment and Management Plan

Arts NSW is enhancing the arts precinct at Walsh Bay including the creation of a new waterfront public square to become an innovative external platform. Tropman and Tropman Architects engaged Cosmos Archaeology Pty Ltd to undertake the underwater aspect of an Archaeological Assessment and Management Plan. Historical research identified potential underwater archaeological remains within the study area including previous 19th and 20th century wharves and related cultural

deposits. Due to sedimentation, no remains were visible above the seabed during the underwater diver survey.

1 Henry Lawson Avenue, McMahons Point: Underwater Survey, Statement of Heritage Impact and Maritime Archaeological Conservation Management Plan

Cosmos Archaeology was commissioned to undertake a site inspection and statement of heritage impact for the heritage listed maritime infrastructure items at 1 Henry Lawson Ave, McMahons Point. This was in response to proposals from the current owner to undertake

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development works. The site was first developed by Michael McMahon prior to the 1930s before being taken over by Sydney Ferries Ltd and Sydney Harbour Trust in 1946. From 1969 it was operated by the Holmes family, William Holmes being one of the most well-known of the North Shore boat builders. The assessment found maritime archaeological potential on and below the seabed. Cosmos Archaeology was then commissioned to prepare a Conservation Management Plan for the two slipways and identified maritime archaeological. The management policies presented in this report encouraged continued use of the slipways.

Victoria

Webb Dock Port Capacity Project: Discovery of Previously Unidentified Heritage Objects During Dredging/Excavation Activities

The Webb Dock area encompasses what was seabed, mud flats and wetlands in the vicinity of Fishermans Bend. In 2014, Cosmos Archaeology was engaged by Port of Melbourne Corporation to provide ongoing advice for unexpected heritage finds during dredging and excavation for the Webb Dock Port Capacity Project. This project is now coming to a close. Thus far, Cosmos Archaeology has provided advice for 82 different finds ranging from timber piles, chain, bottles and an anchor. Each find was assessed for its potential to be an archaeological relic or site and

an assessment was made of its cultural significance. As a result of these assessments, Cosmos Archaeology then provided recommended actions including but not confined to: notification to Heritage Victoria, storage advice and whether works could continue in that area without further investigation.

Sorrento Seawall Proposed Reconstruction: Aboriginal and Historic Cultural Heritage Desktop Assessments

The Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) was proposing to remove a failing timber seawall situated on the southern side of the Sorrento Pier and to replace it with a new stepped concrete seawall. Removal of the existing timber seawall would involve demolition of the seawall, excavation of the fill behind the wall and repacking of the area. Cosmos Archaeology was commissioned by DELWP to undertake Aboriginal and historic cultural heritage desktop assessments of the existing seawall and surrounds. The assessment determined that there was some potential for remains of an 1874 timber seawall and possible artefacts or deposits contained within 1908 reclamation inside the development area. It was recommended that a Statement of Heritage Impact report be undertaken, as well as archival photographic recording of the existing seawall and archaeological monitoring during the works. Cosmos Archaeology undertook the monitoring throughout the

second half of 2016. Queensland

S.S. Dicky: Research, Line Plans and 3D Modelling

In July, 2015, the S.S. Dicky shipwreck (built 1883), located in the intertidal zone of Dicky Beach, Caloundra, Queensland, was partially excavated and the upper portions removed. This followed concerns for public safety and on-going loss of heritage significance in light of increased deterioration. In October, 2015, Sunshine Coast Council approached Cosmos Archaeology to discuss the potential of creating a digital 3D model of the S.S. Dicky vessel for use in an interpretive display.

Unfortunately, there were no surviving records of the ship lines of S.S. Dicky in order to construct a model. As such, a three-staged project was undertaken including 1) research of vessel plans, 2) creation of line plans and 3) creation of the digital 3D model. Findings from the research were limited with the only usable information being ship lines of iron vessels from the same time period. Using this and descriptions of the vessel, Geoff Hewitt was engaged by Cosmos Archaeology to produce the line plan of the hull of S.S. Dicky as well as the deck layout and an approximation of the internal arrangement (Images 3 and 4 - over page). Kevin Edwards (Tempus Archaeology) was then engaged to construct a digital 3D model which has been recently finalised (Image 5 - over page).

Danielle Wilkinson

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IImage 3. reconStructed lIne planS of S.S. dIcky by geoff hewItt.

Image 4. reconStructed Internal arrangement of S.S. dIcky by geoff hewItt.

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(NPSR)—located and surveyed the historic shipwreck Valetta.

The Valetta struck rocks in the Whitsunday Islands in 1825, repaired and re-floated, but still taking on water, it was beached the following day at Long Island.

The Maritime Archaeology Section (MAS) of the Queensland Museum excavated and surveyed the Valetta in 1982, prior to the widespread adoption of GPS. Many of the landmarks used to locate the site are no longer present.

A systematic metal detector and probe survey was undertaken by maritime archaeologists Toni Massey (EHP), Pete Illidge (GBRMPA), and NPSR marine park rangers Darren Larcombe (dive supervisor), Kay Kunze (diver) and Dale Sander (skipper) on

Image 5. StIll Image from dIgItal 3d model of S.S. dIcky by kevIn edwardS.

Queensland

Department of Environment and Heritage Protection. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

Valetta Survey

From 29–31 August 2016, the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP)—working with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and marine park rangers from National Parks, Sport and Racing

the intertidal zone of Happy Bay, Long Island. The aims of the survey were to confirm the location of the wreck, attain accurate GPS coordinates, and determine its current state of preservation.

The survey was able to locate the extremities of the wreckage within a 100m x 50m area about 200m off the beach. The wreck was located buried under 20-100cm of mud and sand. This research and monitoring is a key action of the Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan (HA11), which is to identify, map, monitor and report on key Reef heritage values and sites, including comprehensive surveys in priority sections of the Reef. The research also contributes to the review of the Whitsunday Plan of Management.

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Image 2. SheathIng located on the foreShore near grImSton poInt

Image 1. the wreck of the cremer. the two engIne blockS and propeller ShaftS Shown clearly at top rIght. drone Image courteSy of waSp nQ.

Reef Rangers

On 21–23 September 2016, maritime archaeologists Toni Massey (EHP) and Pete Illidge (GBRMPA) were invited by NPSR marine park rangers, to take part in fieldwork operations on board their vessel Reef Ranger. Fieldwork was situated around the St Bees/Keswick Island areas in the Whitsundays, and had multiple outcomes which included: NPSR compliance activities, COTS surveys, a prescribed burn program, and dive operations (including historic shipwreck surveys).

The historic shipwreck, Cremer—an iron-hulled motor vessel that ran aground off Saint Bees Island in 1943—was surveyed and an anomaly (detected previously by marine park rangers) was investigated. An underwater scooter was used to dive on the anomaly, which was located in approximately 22m of water. The survey revealed the anomaly was a large rock, shaped like a ship.

Other shipwrecks surveyed included Woy Woy and Geelong. The Woy Woy was a single screw steamer built in 1901, and subsequently left abandoned in 1936 at Homestead Bay, Saint Bees Island. The wreck was found to be almost completely covered in sand, except for the cylindrical boiler and part of the engine. A metal detector survey delineated the extent of material remains buried under the sand. Aerial photographs of the area, including the boiler, slipway and machinery, were captured using the WASP NQ drone (refer Image 1).

The Geelong was a 431 ton twin screw steamer, deliberately beached on Carlisle Island during a cyclone in 1888. The site was located underwater by Pete Illidge (GBRMPA) and Kay Kuntz (NPSR) using an underwater scooter. Detailed photos were taken of the wreck by Toni Massey (EHP) and Simon Campbell (NPSR).

The Reef Ranger fieldwork provided an excellent opportunity to build public awareness and advocacy for reef protection, while protecting the values of the Great Barrier Reef.

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Image 3. ehp’S geometrIcS 882 magnetometer ready for deployment.

Whitsunday Islands fieldwork

EHP, NPSR, and GBRMPA also collaborated to survey five historic shipwrecks in the Whitsunday Island Area from 17–22 November 2016. Project members included maritime archaeologists Toni Massey (EHP) and Pete Illidge (GBRMPA), plus NPSR marine park rangers Kay Kunze (dive supervisor/diver), Brett Turnbull (dive supervisor/diver) and Simon Campbell (skipper).

The Valetta, which had its position confirmed by a joint EHP, GBRMPA and QPWS project in August 2016, was monitored to confirm it remained buried and unaffected by recent storm activity.

A terrestrial survey was carried out on the eastern side of Grimston Point on the mainland near Pioneer Bay. Material remains were located along the rocky foreshore (refer Image 2). The remains included copper fastenings, copper sheathing and a number of other corroded material remains that may have originated from the wreck of the Duke of Cornwall, a ketch that wrecked in the area in 1887.

Due to unfavourable sea conditions (25–30 knot winds), magnetometer surveys were limited to searching for shipwrecks that were in relatively protected areas. The Heroine (1846), Louisa Maria (1878) and Isabel (1899) were surveyed using EHP’s Geometrics 882 (G-882) caesium-vapour marine magnetometer and marine parks vessel, Tamoya’s, depth

sounder. Over six anomalies were identified and dived, but all were confirmed to be of recent origin.

This research contributed to the Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan and the Whitsunday Plan of Management.

IKUWA Conference and 3D Photogrammetry course In November Paddy Waterson and Toni Massey from EHP took

part in the Agisoft 3D Photogrammetry course prior to the IKUWA conference in Fremantle, Western Australia. Photogrammetry allows point clouds and 3D models to be generated using video or collections of photographs as the source.

EHP is now incorporating photogrammetry recording and analysis into its standard archaeological process wherever suitable.

AIMA Newsletter Vol 35 Issue 3 & 4 December 2016 ISSN 1446–8948

EXECUTIVEAIMA 2015–2016

EDITOR’S NOTE

Officers President

Senior Vice President

Vice President

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

State Councillors

New South Wales

New Zealand

South Australia

Queensland

Western Australia

Victoria

USA

David SteinbergPh: 0404 302 015E-mail: [email protected]

Ross AndersonDept. Marine ArchaeologyWA MuseumPh: (08) 9431 8442E-mail: [email protected]

Matt CarterLa Trobe UniversityE-mail: [email protected]

Danielle WilkinsonCosmos ArchaeologyE-mail: [email protected]

Celeste JordanEmail: [email protected]

Phyllis CoxhillE-mail: [email protected]

Brad Duncan, Cos Coroneos, Chris Lewczak, Stirling Smith

Andy Dodd, Kurt Bennett, Matthew Carter

Jonathan Benjamin, Ahmer Khan, Wendy van Duivenvoorde, James Parkinson

Maddy Fowler

Nicolas Bigourdan, Vicki Richards, Maddy McAllister, Corioli Souter.

Peter Harvey, Peter Taylor, Jane MItchel,

Jennifer McKinnon

Malaysia

Publications Committee

Newsletter Editor

Website Administrator

Public Officer

AIMA/NAS Senior Tutor

AIMA/NAS Tutors

Charlotte Looram

Mark Polzer , Jane Mitchell, Myra Stanbury, Jeremy Green, David Gregory, Peter Harvey, Sarah Holland, William Jeffery, Margaret Leshikar-Denton, David Nutley, Jason Raupp, Nathan Richards, Vicki Richards, Della Scott-Ireton, Debra Shefi, Ross Anderson, Matthew Carter.

Paddy Waterson

Chris Lewczak

Secretary

Cassandra Philippou

(NSW) Cass Phillippou; (NT) David Steinberg; (NZ) Andy Dodd; (QLD) Paddy Waterson; (SA) Peta Straiton; (VIC) Peter Harvey; (WA) Nicolas Bigourdan

Australasian Institute for Maritime Archaeology, Inc. Registration No. A0820044JWestern Australian Associations Incorporation Act 1987 s.18(6)Newsletter Registered by Australia PostPublication No. WBH 1635

Dear Members, A big thanks to all the contributors! This

combined edition gets the Newsletter up to date. I intend to issue the first 2017 edition very soon, so request that all submissions be provided by Friday 26th May 2017 at the very latest. If you missed the last edition and want to put in something from 2016 please do so. Sincere thanks to those who have already submitted articles for 2017 - Editor.

Please send all postal correspondence to:

AIMA C/O Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, ADELAIDE, SA 5001

The AIMA Newsletter is supported by:

THE HISTORIC SHIPWECKS PROGRAM

AIMA NewsletterVolume 35 Number 3 & 4 December 2016

aima newsletter · 8 2017 aima conference info 9 news from nt 13 2016 activity summary: cosmos...

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