There is a lack of broad representation in archaeology generally, and in a specialized field such as underwater archaeology, this issue is only exacerbated. Underwater archaeological sites are often “out of sight, out of mind,“” creating a general lack of awareness of underwater cultural heritage and career prospects in many communities. Coupled with a lack of education and the additional demands of working in a submerged environment (e.g., scuba diving), there is a striking lack of diversity in underwater archaeology. Overall, underwater archaeologists are a largely homogeneous group, particularly along the lines of race and wealth—categories that often overlap. In the context of asking broader questions such as “Why are there so few underwater archaeologists of color?” and “How can we do better?” this article outlines the barriers to inclusivity writ large in underwater archaeology and provides solutions for increasing diversity and accessibility in the field, including specific opportunities and resources for underrepresented groups to “get their feet wet.”
Commercial red snapper fishing dominated the Pensacola, Florida, waterfront around the turn of the 20th century. At the height of the industry, nearly 50 large schooners sailed from Pensacola, supplying demands for fresh fish across the United States. Using historical data from the List of Merchant Vessels of the United States and archaeological data from three probable commercial red snapper fishing schooner shipwrecks in north‐west Florida, this article traces build trends and characteristics among industry vessels from 1881–1930. Recognizing these developments may help identify other commercial red snapper fishing vessels among Gulf of Mexico‐area archaeological shipwreck sites.
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