Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary – Overview

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, located in Lake Huron off the coast of Alpena, Michigan, is a federally designated marine protected area dedicated to preserving and protecting one of the most historically significant collections of shipwrecks in the United States. Known as “Shipwreck Alley,” the sanctuary is home to an estimated 200 shipwrecks, ranging from 19th-century wooden schooners to modern steel freighters.

Key Facts

• Established: 2000 (initially 448 square miles/1,160 square kilometres; expanded in 2014 to cover 4,300 square miles/11,137 square kilometres).
• Location: Northwestern Lake Huron, encompassing the waters around Alpena, Presque Isle, and Alcona counties.
• Shipwrecks Protected: The sanctuary preserves a variety of shipwrecks, with depths ranging from shallow waters accessible to snorkelers to deeper sites for experienced technical divers.

Significance

• Maritime Heritage: Thunder Bay played a key role in Great Lakes commerce during the 19th and 20th centuries. The sanctuary’s shipwrecks reflect the evolution of maritime technology, from wooden sailing ships to steel steamers.
• Educational Resource: The sanctuary provides opportunities to explore maritime history through public education programs, exhibits, and diving experiences.
• Archaeological Treasure: The cold, fresh waters of Lake Huron preserve shipwrecks exceptionally well, offering unparalleled insights into the history of Great Lakes navigation and trade.

Notable Shipwrecks

1. Monohansett (1872): A wooden steam barge that burned and sank in shallow waters, now popular with snorkelers and beginner divers.

2. Greta (1893): A two-masted schooner located in deeper waters, reflecting the Great Lakes’ sailing era.

3. E.B. Allen (1864): A wooden schooner that collided with another ship during a storm, offering divers an intact and fascinating wreck site.

4. Defiance and John J. Audubon (1854): A two-ship collision resulting in two wrecks lying close together, allowing divers to explore both sites in one dive.

Diving and Visitor Opportunities

• Snorkeling and Diving: Many of the sanctuary’s wrecks are accessible to snorkelers, recreational divers, and technical divers, making it a top destination for underwater exploration.
• Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: For non-divers, the sanctuary offers glass-bottom boat tours, providing a clear view of shallow shipwrecks from the surface.
• Visitor Center: The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena is a hub for education, featuring interactive exhibits, artifacts, and shipwreck displays.

Research and Conservation

The sanctuary is also a leader in maritime archaeology, working to survey, map, and document the shipwrecks within its boundaries. Advanced technologies like side-scan sonar and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are used to locate and study wrecks.

Importance to Great Lakes Shipping History

Thunder Bay served as a crossroads for ships carrying timber, coal, grain, and iron ore between ports on the Great Lakes. The sanctuary’s shipwrecks represent vessels lost during storms, collisions, and navigational mishaps, highlighting the challenges of maritime commerce in the region.

Resources & Links

• Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Website: Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary
• NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: NOAA Sanctuaries
• Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center: Alpena Maritime Heritage

Conclusion

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a testament to the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes. Its shipwrecks offer a unique glimpse into the region’s history, blending adventure, education, and preservation. It is a must-visit for divers, history enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the stories hidden beneath the surface of Lake Huron.