Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast Designated as National Marine Sanctuary

Monday, October 11th, 2021 -- 11:01 AM

Governor Tony Evers announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, in partnership with the State of Wisconsin, officially designated the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary following the close of a 45-day review period of continuous session of Congress that began on June 23rd of this year, with the publishing of the final rule.

The WSCNMS will be co-managed by the State of Wisconsin and NOAA and will provide an exciting opportunity to renew the appreciation of the state’s Great Lakes’ maritime heritage and history.

Governor Tony Evers joined federal, state, and local leaders to celebrate the designation at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc. The area was nominated for National Marine Sanctuary consideration by a diverse coalition of organizations and individuals at local, state, regional, and national levels.

This included elected officials, historical societies, businesses, museums, and environmental, recreational, conservation, fishing, tourism, and educational groups, including dedicated work on behalf of the project from NOAA, Senator Tammy Baldwin, and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, as well as the Wisconsin Departments of Administration and Natural Resources and the Wisconsin State Historical Society.

The governor recognizes and applauds the commitment, engagement, and effort by coastal communities in Manitowoc, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and Kewaunee Counties.

The WSCNMS spans 962 square miles and will protect 36 historically significant shipwrecks and related maritime heritage resources. Many of the shipwrecks are largely intact, being well-preserved by Lake Michigan’s cold freshwater.

Of the 36 wrecks, 21 of them are on the National Register of Historic Places, and the area also includes Wisconsin’s two oldest known shipwrecks. Archival research suggests there may be 60 additional undiscovered shipwrecks.

The WSCNMS will expand on the nearly 30-year investment the citizens and State of Wisconsin have made in the identification, interpretation, and preservation of shipwrecks and other maritime resources and will be a catalyst for continued economic development by serving as a premier Great Lakes maritime heritage tourism attraction.

Additionally, there will be an increase for both physical and virtual access to the sanctuary’s maritime heritage resources providing added recreation for community residents and visitors and will provide unique opportunity to enhance educational programming and public outreach, both in Wisconsin and across the Great Lakes, through programs in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.