Alyssa McCann

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About

Alyssa McCann is a pioneering deep-sea archaeologist whose work has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of ancient human history. Her primary research focuses on the intersection of maritime archaeology and deep submergence technology, where she has developed and applied advanced remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to explore submerged prehistoric landscapes. McCann’s most celebrated contribution is her seminal 2000 paper, "The discovery of ancient history in the deep sea using advanced deep submergence technology," which has garnered 91 citations and established the methodological framework for deep-water archaeological surveys. In this work, she demonstrated that intact, well-preserved archaeological sites exist on continental shelves, challenging the long-held assumption that such environments were too dynamic to preserve ancient material culture. Her discoveries have pushed the boundaries of human occupation history, revealing evidence of settlements and tool assemblages dating back to the last glacial maximum. McCann’s impact extends beyond academia; she has been a leading voice in advocating for the protection of underwater cultural heritage from deep-sea mining and trawling. Her innovative use of deep-submergence technology has opened a new frontier in archaeology, inspiring a generation of researchers to explore the ocean’s depths for clues to our shared past.