Sanctuary Designation

On October 7, 2000, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary was designated to create the first Great Lakes marine sanctuary as well as build on the existing state preserve designated in 1981. This designation culminates over a decade of collaboration between the State of Michigan and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As the official designation papers were signed, our nation's thirteenth national marine sanctuary was established.

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is on the map!

This 448-square mile sanctuary in Lake Huron is the only the second sanctuary created solely to protect underwater cultural resources. Historic shipwrecks, found and still undiscovered, will receive special protection through this designation. This new sanctuary will protect these nationally significant vessels once remembered only by the families of mariners and their Great Lakes communities. Now, each vessel will be rediscovered and re-examined by the nation. Through education, research, and historical interpretation, the stories of these long lost vessels and the voices of early lakefarers will once again echo across the waters of Lake Huron.

Elgie Holstein, Senior Advisor to former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and Governor Engler hold up the signed designation documents.