WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) was joined this week by Congressmen Dale Kildee (D-Flint) and Thaddeus McCotter (R-Livonia) in introducing legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives to expand the boundary of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve.  H.R. 905, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve Boundary Modification Act, is a companion to S. 380, identical legislation also introduced this week in the U.S. Senate by Michigan Senator Carl Levin.

“By authorizing an expansion to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the affected local communities would receive the benefits of having additional historical resources highlighted and preserved, as well as increased tourism, which is an important driver for economic growth,” Stupak said.  “The Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary is one of Michigan’s treasures that tells countless stories about our state’s history.  I am pleased to work with my colleagues in the House and with Senator Levin to ensure that history is preserved.”

“The Great Lakes are Michigan's ace in the hole when it comes to tourism. They are the most precious natural resource that Michigan offers to visitors from across the nation,” said Kildee, a senior member of the House Natural Resources Committee.  “The preservation of Lake Huron is critical to the protection of the small businesses that thrive on its shores and beaches and to the families that enjoy its allure year round.”

“I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of H.R. 905, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve Boundary Modification Act,” McCotter said.  “Specifically, H.R. 905 would expand the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary to include the offshore waters of Presque Isle and Alcona counties, Michigan.  Significantly, these areas are home to a comparable number to lost vessels which archeologists and students alike can study and explore.  Today, these shipwrecks are popular with many recreational divers and are integral parts of our Great Lakes’ maritime heritage.  Without proper preservation, these historic sites could be lost.  Additionally, this expansion is welcomed by these surrounding communities in recognition of the good work NOAA and the Thunder Bay staff is already doing in Alpena.”

Thunder Bay was declared Michigan’s first Great Lakes Bottomland Preserve in 1981, and in 2000 became the Great Lakes’ first National Marine Sanctuary.  The sanctuary is a federal-state partnership with a unique focus on preserving the large collection of underwater cultural resources, consisting of over 100 shipwrecks spanning more than 200 years of Great Lakes shipping history.  A 1975 study by Michigan State University found that Thunder Bay potentially contained the largest number of historical shipwrecks in the country.

H.R. 905 would extend the sanctuary’s boundaries to include the waters off Alcona, Alpena and Presque Isle Counties and extend the sanctuary east to the international boundary with Canada.  The sanctuary currently covers 448 square miles of water and 115 miles of shoreline, protecting 116 shipwrecks.  The bill would increase this area to 3,722 square miles of water and 226 miles of shoreline, with a total of 296 shipwrecks.

Stupak noted that the sanctuary designation in no way impedes recreational boating or fishing in the area.  The Thunder Bay Sanctuary Advisory Council, a 15-member group representing local fishermen, business leaders, educators and government officials, has passed a resolution recommending the sanctuary be expanded.