Marine sanctuary expansion expected
by Peter Jakey–Managing Editor
The expansion of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS) into waters along Presque Isle County and northern Lake Huron could become reality in the coming days.
Supporters of the Great Lakes Heritage Center along the Thunder Bay River are anticipating a favorable announcement and are preparing to celebrate Saturday with a Community Appreciation Day.
There has been a strong interest, especially in Presque Isle Township and Rogers City, in expanding the 448-square-mile TBNMS into the waters off of Presque Isle, Alcona and Alpena counties. Efforts started nearly a decade ago.
Lawmakers in the nation’s Capitol failed to approve the expansion as part of the congressional process, so the effort shifted to an “administrative public process” that included public meetings where residents were able to voice their opinions.
“We have had really strong public support since 2006, for this,” said Jeff Gray, sanctuary superintendent. “That process is coming to an end and we anticipate on Sept. 5 the final rule, the last step in the process, we expect that to be published.”
Gray expects Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin to attend the party on the bay, along with world-renowned shipwreck explorer to return to Alpena. He explored the sanctuary in 2001, 2002 and 2005, when it was first designated.
“A lot of his work helped this effort,” said Gray of the expansion. “Particularly that second and third year of research that he did here. That was up in the Presque Isle area and helped us get some of our first shots of the spectacular wrecks that are up there.
“It’s been a long time coming. We’re really thrilled to expand. Not just the sanctuary itself, but expand our education programs.”
Some of the wrecks near Rogers City include Duncan City, W.G. Mason and Reindeer.
The center welcomed 83,000 visitors last year and that is expected to go up in 2014.
“We not only want to expand the sanctuary, but we want to expand our impact as well,” added Gray.
During the recent process, there was a concern expressed by members of the shipping industry regarding ballasting in the sanctuary.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)and the state have worked closely with the shipping industry to best understand their concerns and get the information necessary to address the issue.
NOAA proposed the following changes regarding ballasting:
Not including the ports of Rogers City, Presque Isle, and Alpena, in the proposed sanctuary boundary, where the majority of ballasting occurs and there are no known nationally significant shipwrecks;
Clarifying that ballast operations are currently well-managed in the
Reiterating that both USCG and EPA provide exceptions from their ballasting regulations when ballasting is conducted for reasons of safety.
The proposed amended rule also addresses comments NOAA received from regional American Indian tribes regarding the potential for this expansion to impact treaty fishing rights.
It will take the sanctuary from 448 square miles to 4,300 square miles.
“We feel there are some really important resources out there that we can help,” said Gray.