Exploring Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

By Guest Author Dive Locations Travel May 18, 2016

For more than 40 years, national marine sanctuaries have worked to protect special places in America’s oceans and Great Lakes waters, from the Hawaiian Islands to the Florida Keys, from Lake Huron to American Samoa. Backed by one of the nation’s strongest pieces of ocean-conservation legislation, the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the sanctuaries seek to preserve the extraordinary beauty, biodiversity, historical connections and economic productivity of our most precious underwater treasures. And — lucky for you — most of these places are accessible to recreational divers. Sanctuary waters are filled with unique ecosystems, harboring a spectacular array of plants, animals and historical artifacts, all waiting to be explored. National marine sanctuaries belong to everyone, so dive in.

The two-masted wooden schooner E.B. Allen, located 100 feet below the surface, sits on an even keel with its hull, rudder, anchor chains and windlass still in place. E.B. Allen wrecked after colliding with another vessel in November of 1871. (Photo credit: David J. Ruck/NOAA)

Learn about the maritime history of this heavily trafficked and important shipping lane first hand when you dive down 60 feet and encounter Lucinda Van Valkenburg, a 128-foot three-masted wooden schooner. (Photo credit: David J. Ruck/NOAA)

Invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels can deteriorate the archaeological integrity of Thunder Bay’s shipwrecks. These marine invertebrates pose a threat to both shipwrecks and the local ecosystem — each mussel can filter one liter of water a day, consuming nutrients needed by other species. (Photo credit: David J. Ruck/NOAA)

Intense weather — including fog, wind, rain, snow and ice — has rightfully earned Thunder Bay and its surrounding waters the nickname “Shipwreck Alley.” Lighthouses like the old Presque Isle Lighthouse, pictured here, have played an integral role in guiding ships safely throughout the area’s history. (Photo credit: David J. Ruck/NOAA)

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Dive into the cold waters of Lake Huron and you’ll lay eyes on one of the best-preserved and nationally significant collections of shipwrecks in the United States. Explore the hull of an old wooden schooner; admire the pristine condition of an early steel-hulled steamer; and even descend to a modern, 500-foot-long freighter.

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary encompasses 4,300 square miles of northwestern Lake Huron and protects over 200 shipwrecks within its boundaries. Nicknamed “Shipwreck Alley,” this area of the Great Lakes experiences unpredictable and intense weather, including heavy fog, high winds and sudden blizzards. As one of the world’s busiest waterways for the last 150 years, fire, ice, collisions and storms have claimed many vessels here. And not only is there an impressive number of shipwrecks here, but also the diversity of shipwreck types makes Thunder Bay a unique and exciting place to dive.

The variety of Thunder Bay’s shipwrecks allow divers of all experience levels, from first-time wreck divers to highly technical divers looking for a new thrill, to enjoy this national marine sanctuary. Visiting the sanctuary with friends or family who don’t dive? You can experience Great Lakes maritime history while snorkeling on shallow wrecks like the wooden steamer Albany, in just over five feet of water. The crystal-clear water of Lake Huron also means that many of the shipwrecks are visible from a kayak or glass-bottom boat.

When diving at wreck sites in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, remember to always use sanctuary moorings when taking a boat. This ensures that no damage is done to these important historic resources via boat anchors. (Photo credit: David J. Ruck/NOAA)

When you slip below the surface of Lake Huron’s chilly waters, make sure you’re wearing a wetsuit or, depending on the season, even a drysuit. Average water temperatures in the summer reach only about 60 degrees F (16 C). (Photo credit: David J. Ruck/NOAA)

The 240-foot-long Montana, a steam barge, wrecked in 1914 as the result of a fire. Today, many of Montana’s interesting hull features like the engine, boiler, propeller and shaft are still visible to divers. (Photo credit: David J. Ruck/NOAA)

Visit the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena, Michigan before or after you dive in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary to learn about this historically important area and the shipwrecks that call it home. Enjoy the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Trail as you stroll along the Thunder Bay River, learning about Northeast Michigan’s rich maritime history. (Photo credit: David J. Ruck/NOAA)

Thunder Bay is home to a number of shallow, easy-to-snorkel wrecks. Albany, a wooden steamer that wrecked in a storm in 1853, now lies in about five feet of water. The total length of the wreck is just over 200 feet, and is primarily composed of the ship’s hull. (Photo credit: David J. Ruck/NOAA)

Lake Huron’s cold, fresh water makes Thunder Bay’s shipwrecks some of the best-preserved in the world, with many sites virtually unchanged since they sank. Still, invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels are altering the appearance of some. Most likely brought to the region in the ballast water of ships, these marine invertebrates are now a fairly common sight on Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s shipwrecks. By inspecting and washing your boat and dive gear, you can help protect these historic wrecks.

You can also help protect these unique maritime heritage resources by using the sanctuary’s mooring buoys to prevent damage to the shipwrecks by boat anchors. Additionally, make sure to always keep a safe distance from all parts of the shipwrecks by streamlining your equipment; in this way divers can contribute positively to their continued preservation for years to come.

Experience the wonders of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and other national marine sanctuaries via our photos, and see more at sanctuaries.noaa.gov/earthisblue.