The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s Tribute to Thunder Bay’ celebrated the rich cultural maritime heritage of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve. This event served as an opportunity to cultivate long-term relationships with businesses and individuals in the Alpena community.

The evening began with a reception and gourmet dinner prepared by Guest Chef Jeffery Mora. Dinner was followed by a film presentation of Thunder Bay’s underwater archaeological sites and remarks from Ocean Explorer and NMSF Trustee, Dr. Robert Ballard, who is perhaps best known for his discovery of the Titanic.

The event, attended by more than 100 guests, was sponsored by National City Bank in Alpena and supported by Alpena City College and the Alpena Holiday Inn.

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve continues a unique collaboration with Dr. Robert Ballard and his scientific team from the Institute for Exploration (IFE) in a mission to explore and document Thunder Bay's shipwrecks. Using LITTLE HERCULES (photo left), a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), the Thunder Bay Exploration 2002 Expedition Team has been collecting video and still images of known and newly discovered shipwrecks located in last year's expedition. Click here for details.

ARGUS (photos below) and LITTLE HERCULES have been provided by the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. They are designed to operate together. The tow sled, ARGUS, hangs on the end of a long cable dangling from the ship. ARGUS is maneuvered primarily by moving the ship and raising and lowering the cable. Thrusters (electric motors with propellers) on ARGUS allow the pilot to aim its lights and cameras toward sites of interest and LITTLE HERCULES.

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve covers 448 square miles and protects an estimated 116 historically significant shipwrecks, spanning more than a century of Great Lakes maritime heritage. From wood schooners to steel-hulled steamers, a rich array of artifacts from 19th century travel and commerce remain below the waters of Lake Huron in Thunder Bay.

Learn how you can support the cultural and ecological treasures of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve – click here.