Mallows Bay Graveyard Laboratory

Allyson Ropp

At the March 21 CCASM Allyson Ropp's topic was "The Mallows Bay Graveyard Laboratory: Archaeological and Ecological Science of the Ghost Fleet".   Allyson is investigating the Aowa shipwreck in Mallows Bay.  It is one of the wrecks in the outer tier of the shipwrecks in the Bay.  Not only did Allyson cover the overall history that led to the Graveyard, but she also included the history of the Aowa and its limited number of voyages.  Allyson has started her ecological research on the impacts of of nature on the wrecks and and the wrecks on nature.  She has collected some of the first samples (from the wood and from the water) and is waiting for the results from the lab.  This is a multi-year project, and Allyson will be giving us updates in the future

Investigating the Aowa

Allyson Ropp is a Ph.D. Candidate from East Carolina University.  She is also a NOAA Dr. Nancy Foster Scholar.  NOAA’s Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program provides support for master’s and doctoral degrees in oceanography, marine biology, maritime archaeology and particularly encourages women and members of minority groups to apply.  As part of her application CCASM indicated they would be a local organization that would collaborate with her.

This was our third hybrid Zoom/in-person meeting.  We still need to work out a few more kinks.  Thanks to those who attended via Zoom for their patience.  Also thanks to Peggy for providing the hot spot and microphone and for monitoring the Zoom meeting, and thanks to Jim for using his account to set up the Zoom meeting.  

Before meeting - catching up or just relaxing

Attendance: 23 (including 5 via Zoom)