Proposed Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary
In April 2019, in response to a community-based sanctuary nomination, NOAA announced its intent to designate a new national marine sanctuary in New York's eastern Lake Ontario. In July 2021, NOAA released a draft environmental impact statement and management plan for public review. With input from the public, stakeholders, and in consultation with the state of New York, NOAA is publishing this notice of proposed rulemaking to designate a national marine sanctuary in eastern Lake Ontario.
The images and videos below can be downloaded in high resolution and may be freely used for press purposes.

Proposed Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary Summary Document
Credit: NOAA

Map showing boundary and approximate location of shipwrecks in the proposed national marine sanctuary.
Map: NOAA

Underwater video of the St. Peter shipwreck.
Credit: Nick Zachar/NOAA

Underwater video of the David W Mills shipwreck.
Credit: Nick Zachar/NOAA

The wreck of the St. Peter
Credit: NOAA

The wreck of the St. Peter
Credit: NOAA

The wreck of the St. Peter
Credit: NOAA

The wreck of the St. Peter
Credit: NOAA

The wreck of the St. Peter
Credit: NOAA

A diver swims along the wreck of the St. Peter
Credit: NOAA

Two divers using an underwater camera
Credit: NOAA

The wreck of the steamer David W. Mills, a typical 19th century cargo vessel, lies within the proposed sanctuary.
Photo courtesy of the Collection of Bowling Green State University

A diver inspects the bow of the suspected steamer Homer Warren.
Photo courtesy of Jill Heinerth

An engraving by William Steele of the British attack on Fort Oswego in 1814.
Image: William Steele, courtesy of the Collection of Paul Lear

A diver inspects the bow of Queen of the Lakes where the anchor remains in place.
Photo courtesy of Jill Heinerth

A diver explores the stern of Queen of the Lakes, which remains upright and intact with all three masts still standing after sinking with a cargo of coal in 1906.
Photo courtesy of Jill Heinerth

Tibett's Point Lighthouse is one of nine lighthouses within the proposed sanctuary area.
Photo courtesy of Ted Van Pelt

Two divers investigate the wreck of the St. Peter.
Credit: NOAA