According to TBNMS, 52 mooring buoys are installed in sanctuary waters to mark shipwrecks for both exploration and preservation every May and are removed every October. Mooring buoys are buoys that are held down by weights, approximately 10 feet from shipwrecks to accurately mark their location, but to also prevent any harm to the wreck during installation.

Stephanie Gandulla, TBNMS resource protection coordinator, explained that each mooring buoy has a tag line that allows for boaters — or divers using kayaks or paddle boards — to tie up to the buoy instead of dropping an anchor and risking damage to a wreck.

Gandulla explained that mooring buoys have been installed in sanctuary waters well before TBNMS was designated. She said that prior to TBNMS initiatives, volunteers installed the buoys. Once TBNMS was established in 2000, the sanctuary provided proper infrastructure to ensure that the mooring buoy project was sustained.

Not only are mooring buoys helpful in aiding divers and sailors, but Gandulla said that the mooring buoys are essential for the glass-bottom boat shipwreck tours and the local economy. She explained that the mooring buoys are first installed in the tour routes, and local charter captains aid TBNMS in the installation process.

Courtesy Photo by Photic Zone A group of paddlers and kayakers are seen exploring the shipwreck Loretta in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Sarah Morrison, TBNMS media and outreach specialist, explained that she took her kids out to see the Portland shipwreck for the first time last year on the first day of school. Though the weather was not ideal, and Morriosn and her children got pushed around by waves, Morrison said that her kids enjoyed the adventure.

To get to the shallow wreck, Morrison and her children paddled out on a paddle board and hooked up to the mooring buoy tag line. She explained that it is a good idea for divers to have a setup on their paddle board or kayak to where they can secure their belongings.

“You never want any garbage or anything like that to get in the water,” Morrison said.

Further, Morrison said life jackets and dive flags are a must. Dive flags help alert other divers and boaters that a diver is nearby.

“And then just have a plan,” Morrison said. “Are you just sticking your head in? Are you planning to (dive) and you need your snorkel and your fins so you can really dive down a little bit faster?”

Morrison said that it is also essential to let someone know where you are going diving and how long you expect to be there.

As far as prime shipwreck exploration times, Morrison said that quiet times of the day tend to be the best.

“I think in the early mornings and evenings … it tends to be a little bit calmer,” Morrison said. “I think going in the morning is a great time … A fun way to start your day with a little swim!”

In addition to the enjoyment of searching for shipwrecks, Morrison also stated that in her opinion, the mooring buoys make shipwrecks more accessible to people and piques their curiosity of Michigan maritime history.

“I think that when you can see something that you don’t see, it’s very out of the ordinary, it’s already, like ‘Wow! This is interesting,’ and you get curious and want to know more,” Morrison said. “Curiosity is just the best thing because generally it’s going to get you opening a book … I think the stories help you learn history even better. And all of these shipwrecks have their own story.”

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.