Specialist Services
Marine Archaeology
Archaeology is not just confined to dry land. Archaeological remains and structures can be found equally in rivers, lakes and the sea. Construction works associated with wind farms, sub-sea cables and pipelines can therefore equally impact on submerged cultural heritage.
Similar to archaeological sites on land, archaeological sites under water are generally protected by law, thus requiring that potential impacts are identified, and mitigation strategies developed.
AMS has the capability to identify and mitigate the risks associated with submerged cultural heritage. Our experts advise clients throughout all associated development phases from:
- the initial planning stages,
- environmental impact assessment, including full archaeological review of geophysical data to design,
- procurement and management of excavation, and
- post-excavation works.
We liaise closely with the design teams of our clients to ensure full compliance with the requirements of the project. Based on this we develop heritage solutions that meet the highest quality heritage management standards, whilst ensuring timely cost-effective results.
AMS’ Marine Archaeology experts, while based in Ireland, are available to work across European marine environments including the Irish Sea, North Sea and the Baltic region.
Project Archaeology
Managing development led impacts in Marine Archaeology requires special skills, methods and experience. Our specialists have a proven track record in providing all relevant services from pre-construction to post-mitigation works:
- Consultancy and strategic support
- Engagement with project stakeholders, including liaising with archaeological State Services, and
- Full service support for large scale projects worldwide
Environmental Impact Assessments
Our consultants provide an integrated and full scale service for Environmental Impact Assessments for all aspects of underwater archaeology: from river crossings to foreshore areas to offshore windfarms and subsea cables.
We use a desk-based analysis of primary and secondary sources to identify potential impact on known archaeological sites, including shipwrecks. Where applicable, we further assess the submerged landscapes to identify potential zones of prehistoric settlement activity. This approach in combination with interpretation of geophysical data known archaeological sites and large-scale geophysical survey data sets provides the basis for a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment:
- Desktop study of known archaeological sites and areas of archaeological potential
- Interpretation of geophysical data of known archaeological sites and large-scale survey data sets
- Marine geophysical and archaeological diving surveys on behalf of clients
- Recommendation of mitigation strategies to preserve submerged cultural heritage, including route selection support
- Recommendations for conservation of archaeological sites within development zones.
Fieldwork
The AMS Marine Archaeologists are highly experienced field archaeologists, who have directed underwater archaeological sites from submerged settlements to shipwrecks. As certified commercial divers – and in combination with our wide network of specialists – we cover all potential aspects of development accompanying archaeological services:
- Monitoring of dredging works
- Archaeological diving services
- Archaeological excavation
Our Specialist Team
Frank Mallon
Frank has over twenty years of professional experience with particular specialisms in subsea survey, marine environmental sampling hydrographic and bathymetric mapping.
He has over 10 years of experience in terrestrial and marine archaeology with a further 12 years of deep sea scientific exploration in the Middle East.
Frank has a degree in archaeology, is a qualified commercial diver, an IMCA ROV pilot and a Remus 100 AUV pilot technician.
He has been licensed to direct archaeological excavations by the Irish Government since 2007.
For further details about Frank’s expertise and experience, please click here.
Dr Kevin Martin
Kevin has over 20 years’ experience as a professional archaeologist working in the commercial, research and state sectors. He has previously directed archaeological excavations on a number of major National Road Schemes including the N11 Gorey to Arklow Link and the M3 Clonee-Kells Motorway.
In addition, he was a researcher on the Shipwreck Inventory of Ireland for the Underwater Archaeology Unit of the National Monuments Service and also was employed as a Project Archaeologist for the National Roads Authority.
Recently, he completed his PhD in archaeology at the University of Iceland. His thesis explored the vessels and ports of trade used during the Danish Trade Monopoly Period (1602-1787) in Iceland. He is a qualified HSE commercial diver and has been involved in marine archaeological projects in Iceland, Norway, Holland and Qatar.
For further details about Kevin’s expertise and experience, please click here.
