While on Anguilla, during the 2009 Shipwreck Survey and after, we recorded and photographed ten newly documented sites. Importantly, the team and I owe our success to the people of Anguilla. Not only did the team receive support from the Government of Anguilla and AAHS for the project’s logistics, but from many local divers and fishermen who are most familiar with Anguilla’s waters.

Fishermen are responsible for many of archaeology's greatest discoveries; Mumba led the team to this 19th century shipwreck

On Anguilla, “Mumba” led the team to two sites where ships had foundered on the reef. Sir Emile Gumbs and Raymond Haskins described areas where they remembered cannon and anchors. David Carty described areas where treasure hunters had previously tried to look for wrecks and David Berglund remembered the areas he dove when he was younger. Fishermen in Crocus Bay pointed out a submerged cannon off-shore and “Dougie” Carty showed us a wreck near Dog Island. This input was truly invaluable and formed the core of the survey’s success.
Fishing and diving complement marine archaeology. When George Bass and marine archaeology’s pioneers first began exploring the potential for submerged sites off Turkey, it was the sponge fishermen who led him to the first sites to identify and record them. Since then, nearly every major discovery has been known locally before archaeologists arrived to record and analyse the site. Today, the small fishing village in Turkey where underwater archaeology began is host to the greatest collection of underwater finds in the world. It has been featured in National Geographic Magazine and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year who come to spend money, boost the economy, and marvel at the history. As the community’s livelihood shifted from sponge diving to tourism, Turkey has developed into a unique, world-class attraction. Cooperation between fishermen and archaeologists has made this possible. While marine archaeologists have the training and background to understand the processes of site formation and identify key features, fishermen and divers have local knowledge and expertise from years of experience. It’s a good relationship.
Archaeology can benefit fishing. While some sites have been flattened from centuries of hurricanes and storms, others provide habitats for fish and may stand proud of the seafloor. After documenting the archaeology, fishing can continue as before, but with care not to damage the archaeology. Sometimes, as with the Buen Consejo at Junk’s Hole, a decision is made to prevent any access. This is an unfortunate and extreme step made in exceptional circumstances when the site is particularly vulnerable to looting; with cooperation and communication it can be avoided. For example, none of the sites discovered during the 2009 Shipwreck Survey necessitate such a ban. By working together, fishermen and archaeologists can insure past and present maritime traditions are preserved and protected to benefit future Anguillians.
The pioneers of Caribbean maritime archaeology spent years struggling to convince authorities and fishermen that archaeology is a sustainable and a valuable part of the economy. As a newcomer I am ever grateful for the hard work and determination of those before me who, though their hard work, have laid the ground work for my research on Anguilla.

About the author: Lillian Azevedo is a PhD candidate in Maritime Archaeology at the University of Southampton who is working with the Anguilla Archaeological and Historical Society. She is recording the island’s Underwater Cultural Heritage for her thesis and researching ways that maritime heritage can benefit Anguillians now and in the future.

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