Wayne D. Fontana is an American archaeologist, primarily known for his extensive career with the U.S. National Park Service (NPS), specializing in underwater archaeology and the management of submerged cultural resources. He has played a significant role in identifying, documenting, and protecting historic shipwrecks, submerged aircraft, and other underwater archaeological sites within U.S. national parks and protected areas.
Biography and Career
Fontana has been a long-standing figure within the NPS's archaeological programs, particularly associated with the Submerged Resources Center (SRC), which is responsible for the inventory, evaluation, and preservation of underwater cultural resources in national parks. His work has involved applying archaeological methods to underwater environments, including advanced diving techniques, remote sensing, and photogrammetry, to document and manage complex submerged sites.Throughout his career, Fontana has contributed to the development and implementation of policies and best practices for the preservation and public interpretation of America's submerged heritage. His expertise is frequently sought in matters concerning the legal protection and scientific study of underwater cultural resources.
Notable Projects and Contributions
Fontana has been involved in numerous high-profile underwater archaeology projects, including:- USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor: A key contributor to the long-term monitoring, survey, and documentation efforts at the USS Arizona Memorial, working to understand the ongoing preservation challenges of the sunken battleship and its associated artifacts. He co-authored significant reports and publications related to this site.
- Dry Tortugas National Park: Participation in surveys and studies of the park's rich collection of historic shipwrecks, contributing to the understanding of maritime history in the Florida Keys.
- Biscayne National Park: Involvement in the archaeological investigation and management of shipwrecks and other submerged sites within the park, known for its extensive maritime heritage.
- Channel Islands National Park: Contributing to the inventory and assessment of submerged cultural resources off the California coast.
His work often includes collaborating with other federal agencies, academic institutions, and international partners to advance the field of underwater archaeology and cultural resource management.
Publications
Wayne D. Fontana has authored or co-authored numerous technical reports, articles, and book chapters, primarily focusing on the archaeological investigations and management strategies for submerged cultural resources within the U.S. National Park System. His contributions often detail specific site surveys, methodologies, and the significance of various underwater sites. A notable co-authored work includes:- Submerged Cultural Resources Study: USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor National Memorial (co-authored with Daniel J. Lenihan and J. M. Murphy), a foundational study detailing the archaeological significance and preservation challenges of these critical sites.