American freighter SS Carl D. Bradley. Photo courtesy of Jeff Thomas. Join local history teacher and Great Lakes sailor Jeff Thomas as he tells the story of the tragic loss of the Carl D. Bradley. This presentation will cover the launching and life of the vessel for the Michigan Limestone Transportation Company, her sinking in […]
The biggest local giving day of the year is fast-approaching. November 29 is Giving Tuesday Northeast Michigan, and this year Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary will take part in this primarily online event. We look forward to being a part of this community event through the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan. Donate Now [...]
Maritime Heritage Ecology: How shipwrecks become oases of biodiversity in a changing ocean Shipwrecks are by definition not supposed to exist. Yet, they form seafloor habitats for a wide range of animals – mussels, sea stars, anemones, and fish. Most shipwrecks are surrounded by sand or mud, so they become oases of biodiversity. Dr. Kirstin […]
Great Lakes, Great Films Every year, the Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary bring the world of cinema to Alpena! For five days in January, northeast Michigan is treated to some of the most impressive ocean and Great Lakes films from around the world. Film screenings are complemented by social events, educational activities, and opportunities […]
View 11th Annual TBIFF site.
Presented by Dr. John O’Shea The discovery of ancient caribou hunting structures preserved beneath Lake Huron has transformed our understanding of the early human occupation of the Great Lakes. Since the initial discovery of the Alpena-Amberley Ridge, research has focused on broadening our understanding of these early hunters and the environment in which they lived. Join Dr. John O’Shea, the […]
Stress to the System: Exploring of Harmful Algal Blooms and Freshwater Acidification in the Great Lakes Dr. Reagan Errera working with field samples. Photo courtesy of Dr. Reagan Errera. The Laurentian Great Lakes support an economy exceeding $82 billion in wages annually and supply drinking water to more than 40 million people. This [...]
The Ship That Time Forgot: The Sinking of the Henry Steinbrenner In May 1953, the freighter Henry Steinbrenner sank in a storm on Lake Superior, claiming the lives of 17 sailors. However, with exception of the initial newspaper headlines announcing the ship’s sinking, history has largely overlooked the ship’s tragic story. Join local historian Jeff [...]
Deploying Robots and Artificial Intelligence to Search for Shipwreck Sites in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Join Dr. Katie Skinner of the University of Michigan’s Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Robotics Institute as she explores new technology and innovative methods to advance autonomous capabilities of marine robotic systems for search and survey of [...]
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