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Introduction
Puerto Rico is located on the
northeast corner of the Caribbean Basin, around coordinates N 18° 15" and W 066° 30'.
The smallest of the Greater Antilles,
archaeological evidence suggests that the island's first inhabitants arrived between the years 7,000 and 4,000
BCE. Spanish colonization of Puerto Rico began in 1509, under the direction of lieutenant Juan Ponce de León.
The strategic location of Puerto
Rico was praised since the early 16th century by both friends and enemies of Spain.
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San Juan, 2007 (Photo: Filipe Castro)
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This project was possible through the generous support
of Mr. Charles Consolvo and the Institute of Nautical Archaeology, Dr. and Mrs. Peter Amaral, and CMAC.
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Isla Verde
The coast between Loíza and San Juan harbors archaeological resources dating
back to the pre-Columbian era and the historical evidence points to the presence of at least 66 shipwrecks in the
area, from early in the colonization process during the 16th century up to the 19th century.
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Isla Verde 2 Shipwreck (Photo: Richard
Fontanez)
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Mona Island
Mona Island is located 42 miles west of Puerto Rico in a passage between this
island and the Dominican Republic, at latitude N 18° 03' 8" and longitude W 067° 51' 57".
Environmentally the island is surrounded by a narrow insular platform and deep
waters.
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The objective of this project is the archaeological exploration of 22 kilometers
along Puerto Rico's north coast, between the municipalities of Loíza and San Juan. The proximity of San
Juan and the coast's topography - characterized by zones of high energy, a reef line that runs from east to west
and other navigation hazards - make this an area of high potential for the presence of shipwrecks.
One of the central concerns of this project is to raise the awareness of the general public to the importance of
the underwater cultural heritage of the island and a website, a newsletter and a number of popular publications
are already in the plans, together with the scholarly outcome.
Sponsored by Texas A&M University's Center for Maritime Archaeology and Conservation
(CMAC) and the Instituto de Investigaciones Costaneras (IIC), the 2008 exploration campaign is part of a wider
in-depth study of the maritime cultural contexts represented on this part of the island, and pretends to be the
core of a long-term project, which will hopefully harbor yearly summer schools where students from as many as possible
universities around the World will meet to learn and network.
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Evidence of human habitation is present from pre-Columbian times.
During the early years of the European colonization of the New World, the Mona
Passage became one of the most important maritime routes between the Old and New Worlds, with constant ship traffic.
Its strategic position was also used by pirates as a hideout and place to lay in wait for potential prizes.
Between the 16th and 20th centuries, about 64 known shipwrecks were recorded around
the island. The great potential for underwater archaeological sites in this Natural Reserve was demonstrated in
a study conducted by Richard Fontánez in 1999.
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The project, which covered 7.5 kilometers of coast, yielded 4 shipwreck sites
and 31 anchors from all periods of the New World's history.
In the 21st century, the pressure of treasure hunting has not stopped to grow,
given the technological advances made during the last few decades.
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The impact of such an activity is detrimental to the cultural and natural resources
of this reserve, since many of its archaeological sites double as artificial reefs. The growing interest in recreational
diving around Mona, if not managed properly, will have a negative impact on its archaeological resources.
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Mona's archaeological register is rich, invaluable, and part of the historical
patrimony of Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and the World. Given its importance, the creation of an inventory of its
archaeological and environmental resources is indispensable as a managerial tool to protect this irreplaceable
cultural and environmental resource.
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