Michigan Underwater Preserves facts for kids
Michigan Underwater Preserves are special protected areas in the Great Lakes, right off the coast of Michigan. These thirteen amazing places cover a huge area, more than 7,000 square miles (18,000 km²)! Think of them as "underwater museums." They help protect old shipwrecks, cool rock formations, and other interesting things hidden beneath the water.
These preserves are important because they help people learn about and care for these underwater treasures. It's super important not to touch or take anything from these sites. There are strict rules against disturbing anything underwater in the Great Lakes. Taking or damaging artifacts is against the law. The Michigan Underwater Preserve Council works hard to support and protect all of Michigan's Underwater Preserves.
Exploring Michigan's Underwater Preserves
Michigan's Underwater Preserves are like giant underwater parks. They are designed to keep historical sites and natural wonders safe for everyone to enjoy. These areas are popular spots for scuba divers and snorkelers who want to explore history.
The main goal of these preserves is to protect the many shipwrecks found in the Great Lakes. These wrecks tell stories of old ships and the people who sailed them. Besides shipwrecks, you can also find unique underwater landscapes, like ancient forests or interesting rock formations.
List of Underwater Preserves
There are 13 special underwater preserves located along Michigan's coast. Each one offers a unique look into the history and natural beauty of the Great Lakes.
- Alger Underwater Preserve
- De Tour Passage Underwater Preserve
- Grand Traverse Bay Bottomland Preserve
- Keweenaw Underwater Preserve
- Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve
- Marquette Underwater Preserve
- Sanilac Shores Underwater Preserve
- Southwest Michigan Underwater Preserve
- Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve
- Thumb Area Bottomland Preserve
- Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve
- West Michigan Underwater Preserve
- Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve
