Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
History
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration established Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve in 2000. It became the thirteenth overall and first on the Great Lakes. Original boundaries followed that of Alpena County to 83 degrees west longitude totaling 448 square miles (1,160 km). In 2014 it was expanded to 4,300 square miles (11,000 km). The marine sanctuary contains many shipwrecks, such as the hull of package freighter SS Pewabic.
Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
Tied to the sanctuary is the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. The museum, located in Alpena on the Thunder Bay River, features exhibits about local shipwrecks and the Great Lakes, an auditorium, an archaeological conservation lab, and education areas.
Visitation
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors. The sanctuary is renowned for its exceptional shipwreck diving experiences, suitable for both novice and experienced divers. Several charter services provide guided dives to the sanctuary's shipwrecks, ensuring safe and educational experiences. Boating is another popular activity, with numerous boat launches and marinas available in the area.
See also
- List of shipwrecks in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
- Michigan Underwater Preserves
- Rockport State Park
References
- ^ Statement of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Director Archived 2007-07-15 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Smith, Vernon; Gandualla, Stephanie. "NOAA expands Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron". NOAA. Retrieved 11 September 2014.
- ^ "Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Exploring America's Underwater Treasures". www.greatlakesdirect.com. Retrieved 2024-06-13.
External links
- Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve NOAA
- Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center NOAA
- Michigan Underwater Preserve Council
- "In Michigan, a Park Made of Water" – New York Times