• Source: Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve is a United States National Marine Sanctuary on Lake Huron's Thunder Bay, within the northeastern region of the U.S. state of Michigan. It protects an estimated 116 historically significant shipwrecks ranging from nineteenth-century wooden side-wheeler paddle steamers to twentieth-century steel-hulled steamers. There are a great many wrecks in the sanctuary, and their preservation and protection is a concern for United States Government policymakers. The landward boundary of the sanctuary extends from the western boundary of Presque Isle County to the southern boundary of Alcona County. The sanctuary extends east from the lakeshore to the international border. Alpena is the largest city in the area.




History



The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration established Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve on June 22, 2000. It became the thirteenth national marine sanctuary overall and first on the Great Lakes. Original boundaries followed that of Alpena County to 83 degrees west longitude totaling 448 square miles (338 sq nmi; 1,160 km2). In 2014 it was expanded to 4,300 square miles (11,137 km2). 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 laboratory, 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






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

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Kapal Choctaw
• Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
• List of shipwrecks in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
• National Marine Sanctuary
• Thunder Bay (Michigan)
• Thunder Bay (disambiguation)
• Thunder Bay Island
• Mallows Bay–Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary
• Alpena, Michigan
• Cozumel
• Christ of the Abyss