The purpose of this grant supported project is to map and interpret key subsurface features associated with four historic and archaeologically significant vessels which are partially or fully buried in the riverbeds of the Swan and Canning Rivers.

The anticipated outcomes will: help the WAM maritime archaeologists to confirm the identities of the historic sunken vessels; endeavor to locate the position and condition of the oldest recorded wreck; stimulate community interest in the maritime heritage of the Swan/Canning River system; and provide open-access data sets for educational and training purposes. In addition, the sub-seabed information will also guide the Museum staff’s preparation of management plans to safeguard the value of the sites for future generations. The team is busy with survey preparations for field activity commencing 31st May 2025.

We are delighted to welcome Patrick Morrison (he/him) to our team! Patrick is a maritime archaeologist working at the WA Museum and is working towards completion of his PhD at the University of Western Australia. His research investigates how people responded to 10,000 years of climate change in the northwest of Australia. He is an expert in recording underwater archaeological sites and reconstructing ancient underwater/coastal landscapes. Patrick has been working with us developing 3D visualisation pipelines for sub-bottom profiler data – allowing researchers to explore buried structures in virtual reality.