IN BRIEF

The Geo People provides experienced marine archaeologists and cultural heritage specialists ready to support offshore and coastal projects, including: 

• offshore wind farm developments
• subsea cable route surveys
• oil and gas infrastructure projects
• port and harbour expansions
• dredging and aggregate extraction programmes
• coastal protection schemes
• decommissioning projects
• environmental impact assessments (EIA)

Marine archaeological assessment helps identify, evaluate and manage risks associated with submerged heritage assets. These may include shipwrecks, aircraft wrecks, prehistoric landscapes, harbour structures and other archaeological remains located on or beneath the seabed. Early identification of heritage constraints reduces project risk, supports regulatory compliance and assists in obtaining the necessary consents and approvals.

The Geo People works with developers, survey contractors and regulators to ensure that cultural heritage considerations are effectively integrated into project planning and execution. Our specialists provide practical advice throughout all phases of a project, from initial feasibility studies through to construction and post-installation monitoring.

IN DETAIL

Marine Archaeological Assessment

Marine archaeology forms an important part of environmental and consenting processes for offshore developments. Archaeological constraints can affect survey design, cable routing, foundation placement and construction methodology.

The Geo People supports projects through:
• desk-based assessments and baseline studies
• review and interpretation of geophysical datasets
• marine archaeological impact assessments
• wreck and anomaly investigations
• written schemes of investigation (WSI)
• archaeological exclusion zone design
• regulator and stakeholder engagement
• construction monitoring and reporting

Our specialists analyse side scan sonar, multibeam bathymetry, sub-bottom profiler and magnetometer data to identify potential cultural heritage targets. These are assessed according to their archaeological significance and potential interaction with planned project activities.

Where necessary, recommendations are provided for avoidance, further investigation or mitigation measures designed to minimise impacts upon heritage assets.

Geophysical Interpretation

Modern offshore geophysical surveys generate large quantities of data that can be used to identify archaeological features. Marine archaeologists work closely with geophysicists to examine anomalies and determine whether they may represent sites of archaeological interest.

Potential targets may include:
• historic shipwrecks
• aircraft remains
• submerged prehistoric landscapes
• palaeo-channels
• former coastlines
• harbour structures and obstructions

The Geo People's experience in both offshore geophysics and marine archaeology ensures that survey datasets are interpreted efficiently and consistently throughout the project lifecycle.

Regulatory Compliance

Many countries require consideration of cultural heritage as part of the offshore consent process. Developers are often required to demonstrate that archaeological resources have been appropriately assessed and protected.

The Geo People assists clients by:
• preparing heritage chapters for EIAs
• supporting marine licence applications
• liaising with statutory consultees and regulators
• preparing mitigation strategies
• producing archaeological reporting and documentation

By identifying issues early in project planning, risks to programme schedules and project budgets can be significantly reduced.

Offshore Construction Support

During construction activities, previously unidentified archaeological material can occasionally be encountered. The Geo People can provide archaeological support procedures and specialist advice to ensure that discoveries are managed appropriately.

Support may include:
• implementation of chance find protocols
• archaeological watching briefs
• monitoring of seabed disturbances
• reporting and stakeholder liaison
• advice regarding exclusion zones and avoidance measures

These services help projects proceed efficiently whilst ensuring compliance with cultural heritage obligations.

Marine Archaeologists

Marine archaeologists supplied by The Geo People typically possess degrees in archaeology, maritime archaeology, geoscience or related disciplines, combined with practical offshore experience.

In addition to archaeological expertise, offshore personnel require excellent observational skills, strong technical reporting capabilities and an understanding of geophysical survey techniques. The ability to work effectively onboard survey vessels and communicate clearly with project teams is essential.

The Geo People maintains a network of experienced marine archaeological professionals able to support projects worldwide, providing specialist expertise wherever offshore cultural heritage considerations arise.