Transplanting Thalassia Testudinum as a Method of Stabalizing Underwater Cultural Resources in Biscayne National Park, Florida

Fong, Peggy

A report outlining the efforts to stabilize the remains of the Fowey wreck in the sediment surface and the seagrass ecology. The Fowey is a valuable submerged cultural resource because of its age and unique history. Park service archaeologists want to preserve it in situ until sometime in the future when technology improves, and the excavation of the wreck can be done with minimal destruction. In situ preservation requires stabilization of the remains of the wreck, preferably beneath the sediment surface to reduce aerobic decomposition. At present, the wreck lies in an area between a stable seagrass system and an area of historically unstable, shifting sands, the Legare anchorage. It is believed that prior to excavation, the stable seagrass area extended over the wreck. The objective of this paper is to outline possible methods for restoring the seagrass coverage over the wreck. To achieve this objective, I will: 1) describe what is known about the history of seagrass on the site; 2) briefly review the ecology of seagrass in the subtropical region of South Florida; 3) discuss transplanting techniques and general factors affecting success of seagrass transplants; and, 4) outline specific factors affecting success or failure of seagrass transplants stabilizing the Fowey site in particular.