UA Scientist Recognized for Role in Shipwreck Analysis

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A University of Alabama oceanographer was recently recognized in Washington, D.C. for his biological contributions to a collaborative research project analyzing World War II shipwrecks.

The National Oceanographic Partnership Program honored Dr. William Schroeder, a professor emeritus of biological sciences in UA’s marine science program, and his shipwreck research colleagues with its Award for Excellence in Partnering. The award was presented to representatives of the research team at a meeting of the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology.

Schroeder, who was stationed at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab for 34 years, earlier participated in the Deep Wrecks Project, a collaboration of federal agencies, private companies and universities. That project was designed to provide historical, archaeological and biological insight regarding multiple ships that were sunk by Hitler’s U-boat activities in the Gulf of Mexico during World War II.

The biological aspect of the study showed that manmade artifacts can function as artificial reefs in deepwater. The project has far-reaching ramifications for deepwater oil and gas exploration and production, as its research results show that platforms in the Gulf of Mexico can and do serve as artificial reefs. Archaeologically, the study is one of the most comprehensive deepwater shipwreck investigations ever conducted.

Following the meeting, the research team gave a presentation of the project at the U.S. Navy Memorial auditorium.

During the summer of 2004, the multidisciplinary group, overseen by the Interior Department’s Minerals Management Service, ventured into the Gulf of Mexico’s deep waters for the 16-day mission.

The department of biological sciences is part of UA’s College of Arts and Sciences, the University’s largest division and the largest public liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships, and memberships on the USA Today Academic All American Team.