Florida has the second longest continuous coastline of any state in the USA. Coupled with this, its many rivers, lakes, and sinks mean much of the state’s fascinating archaeological record exists underwater. The Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, Bureau of Archaeological Research (FBAR) is responsible for the research, interpretation, and protection of archaeological resources located on public lands and in state waters. Spanning over 14,000 years of human occupation, the state contains some of the finest and most significant submerged archaeological sites in the country. For example, the Aucilla river holds numerous inundated Paleoindian sites that provide evidence of Florida’s first inhabitants; Newnan’s lake contains the world’s largest concentration of prehistoric dugout canoes; within Pensacola Bay rest the remains of Tristan de Luna’s ill-fated 1559 attempt of Spanish colonization; and within the depths of the St. John’s River exist the intact remains of the Civil War transport steamer Maple Leaf. These and the countless other submerged archaeological sites around Florida provide residents with tangible evidence of the past and illuminating insight into the human condition.

FBAR staff have documented a submerged pre-contact archaeological site located in the Gulf of Mexico, offshore of Manasota Key, Sarasota County.  Archaeological investigation of the area identified the presence of a newly identified Archaic period mortuary pond dating between 8200 ± 25 and 7214 ± 30 years ago. A sensitive and unique site, Manasota Key Offshore (MKO,) is protected under Chapter 267 and Section 872.05, Florida Statues and requires state archaeologists to preserve and protect it from human and natural impacts.

This presentation will provide a summary of FBAR’s investigations at MKO, with a focus on its unique characteristics, as well as threats to the site. MKO is more than the final resting place of Florida’s indigenous peoples; this site provides clear and unambiguous evidence that the submerged lands of our continental shelves contain significant archaeological sites that demand investigation and protection.

Dr. Ryan M. Duggins leads the Underwater Archaeology Program at the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research. He earned his Ph.D. from Florida State University; his research focused on modeling submerged landscapes and site distribution on the Continental Shelf.