The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is a bustling hub of activity. Located approximately 21 miles off the coast of Boston, this area serves as a prime fishing spot, a migratory path for whales, a shipping route, and a popular diving destination. The responsibility of overseeing the sanctuary falls on Deputy Superintendent Ben Haskell, along with Superintendent Pete DeCola, 14 support staff members, and two boats. To aid in their efforts, they also utilize MarineTraffic.com.
In late April 2017, Haskell noticed something unusual while browsing MarineTraffic.com. He saw a cluster of 70 boats tightly packed into the northwestern corner of the sanctuary, moving back and forth in a confined space. This piqued his curiosity, and he wondered what was happening.
It turned out that word had spread about a lucrative scallop patch in Stellwagen, and a commercial fishing fleet had descended upon the area. Smaller coastal boats and larger offshore vessels were dragging scallop dredges behind them, scouring the seafloor for these prized shellfish. Day and night, the crews tirelessly harvested scallops, tossing them onto the wet decks in a frenzy.
As Haskell observed this chaotic scene, his primary concern was safety. With so many boats in close proximity, there was a risk of collision or crew members being tossed overboard. Fortunately, no accidents occurred.
However, Haskell soon realized another pressing issue, one that would have a lasting impact on the sanctuary’s underwater cultural heritage. Stellwagen Bank is home to approximately 200 shipwrecks, many of which are 20th-century fishing vessels and 19th-century schooners. These wrecks hold historical significance, representing the coal and granite industries that fueled America’s growth and the fishing industry that supported New England’s middle class.
Scallop dredging, along with other bottom-trawling practices, poses a threat to these shipwrecks. These heavy metal contraptions can plow right through the wrecks, unknowingly destroying precious artifacts. Despite the cultural value of these wrecks, scallops are a lucrative business, selling for a high price on the market, which posed a dilemma for Haskell. He had no authority to close the fishery, but he knew he needed to address the issue.
Bottom trawling, a fishing method that covers vast areas of the ocean floor, has long been known to destroy marine habitats. However, the impact on underwater cultural heritage has received less attention. Shipwrecks serve as both a draw and a danger for fishermen. While they create habitats for marine life, they also pose risks to fishing gear. Local fishermen had known about the wrecks for years, despite the sanctuary staff’s effort to keep their locations secret.
Realizing that a fishing ban was unlikely, Haskell and his team decided to work with the fishermen instead. In 2018, NOAA Fisheries implemented stricter catch limits, and the sanctuary launched a pilot program that provided coordinates for selected shipwrecks. They also installed a geofence around the wrecks, alerting vessels when they entered an avoidance area and requesting them to keep their gear at least 400 feet away.
To further protect the shipwrecks and document their condition, the sanctuary collaborated with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). They conducted surveys of prominent wrecks, such as the Portland and the coal schooners Frank A. Palmer and Louise B. Crary. The surveys revealed the extent of fishing impacts on the wrecks and the habitats they create for marine life.
These findings emphasized the need to preserve the shipwrecks and promote sustainable fishing practices. Haskell and DeCola understood the cultural significance of fishing in the region and aimed to work alongside the fishing industry to protect both livelihoods and heritage. By lifting the policy of keeping wreck locations secret and implementing measures to avoid damaging the wrecks, they hoped to strike a balance between conservation and commerce.
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