Marine Archaeology Survey In Support Of Lavaca Bay Reef Project Calhoun County, Texas

BOB Hydrographics, LLC (BOB) conducted a marine archaeological survey of a proposed oyster reef restoration site in Lavaca Bay, Texas. This project, sponsored by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, spans portions of State Mineral Lease Tracts 17A and 20A in Calhoun County. The area of potential effect (APE) proposed for reefing is 30 acres. A total of 50 acres was surveyed, including a 50- meter buffer around the APE. Water depth averages 5 feet. Reefing will require placement of a substrate, such as oyster shell, clam shell, limestone, river-rock or crushed concrete, on the seafloor to provide a hard surface for attachment of oysters. Field investigations included a marine geophysical survey, performed under Texas Antiquities Permit 8004, on May 31, 2017. An archaeological assessment was conducted of all data acquired by the survey. The purpose of BOB’s survey was to locate potential archaeological sites that would be affected by reefing-related activities. No artifacts were collected during this survey. A review of cultural background determined that 5 marine archaeological investigations, one desktop study, and, at least, 18 wrecks have been reported within 3 miles of the APE. Analysis of geophysical survey results from this survey discovered one target potentially eligible for the State Antiquities Landmark or for the National Register of Historic Places. Anomaly 1 is recommended for avoidance. This study was completed in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (Public Law 89-665; 16 U.S.C. 470) and the Antiquities Code of Texas (Texas Natural Resource Code, Title 9, Chapter 191). The minimum reporting and survey requirements for marine archaeological studies conducted under a Texas Antiquities Permit are mandated by The Texas Administrative Code, Title 13, Part 2, Chapters 26 and 28, respectively. Project records are curated at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in Austin