Deep Thoughts

Roberto Junco shares the interesting tale of the WII Canadian merchant ship SS Westbank Park loss and rediscovery off the island of Margarita, Baja California. INAH and the Kaxaan Nautical Foundation team up to make the discovery Read all about it!

Exploring the crannogs in the lochs of the Outer Hebrides is both challenging and fulfilling. Jack Pink was part of the underwater excavation team at the Neolithic site in Loch Bhorgastail and reports on the Islands of Stone Project.

Ethics is not a sexy subject. Despite its importance and significance in archaeological sciences, ethics and ethical practices remain a much neglected and rarely discussed aspect of the profession. Marco tackles this very important issue in his thoughtful blog that has implications beyond our profession and impacts much of our lives.

The RMS Carpathia auction is another example of the importance of keeping archaeological collections from shipwreck sites together. They can tell us so much more. Read Ashley’s blog.

Actions speak louder than words and ACUA is committing to making overdue changes to our organization to be more inclusive by launching a DEI Student Travel Award and implementing several initiatives to support inclusion more broadly. Read Jen McKinnon’s post to learn more about it.

ACUA Grad Student Associate members Kirsten Hawley and Aleck Tan hosted a lively discussion on public outreach and accessibility in the time of Covid19 with an excellent panel. Read more about it!

Normally the ACUA Deep Thoughts Blogs are written by ACUA members. This blog is an exception because it is written by Susan Langley’s graduate student, McKenna Litynski, who organized an international virtual conference on climate change. Susan wrote the preface and McKenna provides links to the recordings. Find out more about it.

Sarah Holland speaks eloquently and personally about the value of mentoring, for both the mentor and mentee.

Professor Thijs Maarleveld was a pioneer in underwater archaeology in the Netherlands, one of the founders and former president of ICUCH, and an untiring advocate for the protection of UCH.

Dr. George Bass was a pioneer in underwater archaeology. He was the founder of INA and conducted the first scientific excavation of a shipwreck near Cape Gelidonya, Turkey. He will be missed by many.

This discussion focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in maritime archaeology supporting the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. It compliments and builds upon a similar discussion on the ODHN website.

Are you are an underwater archaeologist wondering: how can I contribute? How can I make this world a better place? How can I use my unique perspective to give back to my chosen profession and to the public at large? If so, the ACUA wants you! To find out how you can get involved and run for the ACUA board, check out Kendra Kennedy’s blog.