Artifacts and Fossils Discovery in PEI
What to do if you find a potential fossil, artifact, ecofact, a shipwreck or a potential old dwelling?
If you find what you believe to be a fossil (i.e. plant, foot print or faunal), artifact (i.e. stone tools, pottery/ceramic, coins and others), ecofact (old animal bones), remnants of a shipwreck or signs of an old dwelling (i.e. stone walls, debris or a depression) please contact the provincial archaeologist as soon as possible at archaeology@gov.pe.ca or 782-772-2796. The person discovering such objects should state the location of the discovery and the date at which the discovery was made in their initial communication. Photographs can also be very helpful in determining the significance of these objects. Archaeological and paleontological objects should be left at their location of discovery unless they are endangered by cultural (e.g., areas of highly frequented by tourists) or natural processes (e.g., rising tides for beach finds). These objects should also not be altered (e.g., scratched, polished), marked or interfered with.
What archaeological sites and materials are protected in PEI?
All the archaeological sites, objects and samples that are 150 years old or more are protected by the Archaeology Act in Prince Edward Island. All the archaeological and paleontological objects in the province, whether they are from a registered site or not, are the property of the province. Removing artifacts or fossils from their original context can reduce our means to interpret them fully. No person should buy, sell, trade or remove from the province of Prince Edward Island any archaeological or paleontological objects. Any offence of the provisions of the Archaeology Act or its associated Regulations can lead to a fine of $10,000 for an individual and $250,000 for a corporation.
Is metal detecting legal in PEI?
It is not illegal to use a metal detector to conduct non-intrusive scanning on the shorelines of Prince Edward Island. However, it is prohibited by the Archaeology Act to remove any archaeological object from an archaeological site without legal authorization such as an Archaeological Permit. This applies to all objects, including coins, which can be very useful in determining the precise age of the various components of an historic archaeological site. Please contact the provincial archaeologist if you believe that an archaeological site is potentially at risk of being looted.
What to do if you find human remains?
The first thing to do if you find an object that is believed to be human remains is to report it immediately to the police. These remains should not be disturbed, handled or altered in any way.