Say hello to some hydrographers in training! 
In May, students from Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City got hands-on experience with NOAA hydrographers as they kicked off a major effort to map the 4,300-square-mile sanctuary.
These soon-to-be graduates of the Marine Technology Program helped calibrate and test the equipment that will create high-resolution maps of the lakebed. Their work included running a test survey around the Pewabic shipwreck site, troubleshooting software issues as they arose, and assisting with backend data processing.
The students also deployed their college’s drone and underwater ROV to capture footage of the Portland shipwreck—an especially fascinating site, as part of the wreck was washed into a lagoon near the Lake Huron shoreline.
This mapping effort was already set to launch this month, so the timing was perfect and helped the students complete their capstone project management course. Not only did the sanctuary team get some extra helping hands, but it also offered a unique opportunity to support and inspire the next generation of maritime professionals.
Oh—and yes, the iconic “Gumby” suits got a test run – safety first! As part of boat safety drills, students practiced donning and doffing these cold-water immersion suits—and had a blast doing it, even roping in one of their professors for the fun!
