Management Overview

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary was designated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on October 7, 2000. It is jointly managed by the State of Michigan to protect and interpret a nationally significant collection of shipwrecks and other maritime heritage resources. While most other national marine sanctuaries regulate natural resources, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary solely manages maritime heritage resources. As outlined in the sanctuary's designation document and reinforced in a Memorandum of Agreement between NOAA and the State of Michigan, the Sanctuary does not regulate fishing and other natural resources.

In late 2006, the sanctuary began reviewing its management plan which was written as part of the sanctuary designation process and published in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (1999). Management plans are sanctuary-specific planning and management documents required by law for all national marine sanctuaries. These plans summarize existing sanctuary regulations and programs, and guide future management activities.

Using a community-based process that will provide numerous opportunities for public input, the staff will evaluate and update current sanctuary management strategies and programs. The purpose of the review is to ensure that the sanctuary will better protect, conserve, and enhance its maritime heritage resources for current and future generations.

NOAA's Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary seeks applicants for Advisory Council. (click here) [pdf]