Monitoring Shipwrecks
September 16–22, 2024
In September 2024, a team of Force Blue Special Operations veterans volunteered in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary through a variety of scientific and educational initiatives. With their citizen science achievements, Force Blue's contributions made a real difference to sanctuary science. Throughout a full week, the 10-member Force Blue team completed the following:
- Monitored eight shipwreck sites using 360-degree photography and videography
- Assessed eight buoy systems
- Removed nine mooring buoys
- Collected water and microbe samples via scuba diving for the sanctuary's freshwater acidification project and research at the Middle Island Sinkhole.
The team also brought their skills to sanctuary shorelines where they contributed to NOAA marine debris mapping efforts and the first survey of small plastic pellets, called "nurdles," in northern Lake Huron. Embracing the shared goal of creating community connections, Force Blue team members engaged the public and students in a lecture, film screening, school assemblies, and media exposure in print, television, radio, and social media.
"The Force Blue team's contributions truly made a difference here. We documented more shipwrecks and collected more samples than we could have with our in-house team alone, leading to the development of new and exciting outreach products," said Jeff Gray, superintendent of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. "The dynamic team also engaged with local students, community members, and the media, which enabled the sanctuary to reach new audiences and foster new connections with partners."
Through this project, the team has been inspired to return to Alpena, Michigan and Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on an annual basis for dive training. For more information, please contact Steph.Gandulla@noaa.gov