Divers needed to move artifacts before dredging
BY TIMOTHY O'HARA
keysnews.com
KEY WEST -- From centuries-old bottles to mines, a mountain of artifacts have been discovered in local marinas.
Local archeologists and divers are hoping to rescue more relics before they are scooped up, crushed and dumped at sea. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Mel Fisher Museum, Navy and RPM Nautical Foundation officials are putting together archeological dives near the Outer Mole Pier, before dredging starts in the harbor this winter.
The Navy plans to remove tons of silt from the bottom of the channel to make room for larger ships to dock at the pier. The $36 million project will take 18 months to complete and the silt will be deposited offshore in deeper water and on Fleming Key.
Before the project starts officials want to remove any artifacts that are lying at the bottom. However, archeologists, both professional and amateur, will have to brave ripping currents, cool winter waters and poor visibility to find these hidden treasures.
"The history of Key West is in that harbor," said Corey Malcom, director of archeology for the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society.
Officials hope to start next month. The nonprofit RPM Nautical Foundation will use remote sensing devices and sonar to locate artifacts and survey the sea floor. Officials will then create a plan for diving and removing the artifacts. They plan to recruit volunteers from local dive clubs to help remove artifacts. However, they are cautioning volunteers about the conditions.
"This is for people who are advanced divers," sanctuary upper region Manager Dave Score said.
The artifacts will be restored by Mel Fisher Museum officials and be put on display at the museum and other Keys facilities. The anchors may be moved to another channel, where people could view them during local dives, Score said. If removed from the water the iron could corrode.
Naval officials plan to dredge the marina floor to 34 feet. The marina was last dredged in the 1960s. The project is designed to enhance the local base's mission to provide training for the Navy and Marine Corps.
Also, the dredging will provide a benefit to the local ecosystem by removing silt, which can smother coral, sanctuary officials said. The sanctuary and the state Department of Environmental Protection are working with Navy officials to make sure all fish, bird and plant habitats are protected.
tohara@keysnews.com
