Preserve Our Wrecks
Preserve Our Wrecks (POW) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, protection, and promotion of shipwrecks and underwater cultural heritage, primarily focusing on the shipwrecks in the Great Lakes and Ontario. The organization is a key advocate for sustainable diving practices, conservation efforts, and public education about the historical and cultural significance of shipwrecks.
Mission and Objectives
The mission of Preserve Our Wrecks is to:
1. Preserve Underwater Cultural Heritage:
• Advocate for the protection of shipwrecks as historical and archaeological sites.
• Prevent the looting, damage, or destruction of wrecks.
2. Promote Education:
• Increase public awareness about the historical value of shipwrecks.
• Offer resources and training to divers, educators, and enthusiasts on sustainable wreck diving.
3. Encourage Responsible Diving:
• Promote ethical practices that minimize the impact on shipwreck sites.
• Support divers in following “leave only bubbles” and “take only pictures” principles.
4. Foster Community Engagement:
• Collaborate with local communities, diving clubs, and heritage organizations to protect wreck sites.
Key Activities
1. Advocacy for Preservation
• Collaborate with regulatory authorities to protect shipwrecks under provincial laws, such as Ontario’s Heritage Act.
• Raise awareness about the importance of conserving underwater heritage for future generations.
2. Education and Outreach
• Workshops and Seminars:
• Offer training on underwater archaeology, shipwreck documentation, and ethical diving.
• Educational Materials:
• Develop guides, maps, and resources to promote the history and significance of shipwrecks.
3. Wreck Monitoring and Maintenance
• Partner with local dive groups to regularly monitor shipwreck conditions.
• Install and maintain mooring buoys to prevent anchor damage to sensitive wreck sites.
4. Research and Documentation
• Support research projects to document shipwrecks through mapping, photography, and 3D modeling.
• Contribute to the historical understanding of Great Lakes maritime history through publications and studies.
5. Dive Tourism and Community Development
• Promote Ontario’s shipwrecks as premier diving destinations.
• Work with local businesses and tourism boards to develop sustainable dive tourism that benefits communities while respecting wreck sites.
Key Shipwreck Sites
Preserve Our Wrecks is actively involved in the protection and promotion of numerous shipwrecks, particularly in Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Notable sites include:
1. The Wolfe Island Graveyard (Lake Ontario):
• A collection of scuttled ships with historical significance.
2. The Cornelia B. Windiate (Lake Michigan):
• A well-preserved schooner frequently highlighted in educational resources.
3. Kingston’s Wrecks (Lake Ontario):
• A hub of diving activity with shipwrecks like the Comet and the City of Sheboygan.
4. Thousand Islands Shipwrecks:
• Rich in history and biodiversity, these wrecks are critical to the regional dive community.
Partnerships
Preserve Our Wrecks collaborates with:
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS) for regional conservation initiatives.
• Local Dive Shops and Clubs to promote sustainable wreck diving.
• Government Agencies, including Parks Canada, for legislative protection and oversight.
• Educational Institutions to involve students and researchers in maritime heritage projects.
Membership and Resources
Membership Benefits:
• Access to newsletters with updates on wreck sites and preservation activities.
• Opportunities to participate in training, workshops, and community events.
• Networking with other enthusiasts, historians, and divers.
Educational Materials:
• Dive guides and maps for Ontario’s wrecks.
• Online resources on shipwreck history and ethical diving practices.
Contact Information
Website: Visit Preserve Our Wrecks for more information on shipwreck protection, educational resources, and upcoming events.
Social Media:
• Facebook: Preserve Our Wrecks
• Instagram: @PreserveOurWrecks
Email: info@preserveourwrecks.ca
Legacy
Preserve Our Wrecks has played a crucial role in advocating for the protection of Ontario’s underwater cultural heritage. Through community engagement, education, and partnerships, POW ensures that these maritime relics are preserved for future generations to explore, learn from, and appreciate.
Tags: #PreserveOurWrecks #ShipwreckConservation #OntarioDiving #MaritimeHeritage #GreatLakesShipwrecks #WreckDivingEthics #UnderwaterArchaeology #SustainableDiving