Sanctuary Shipwrecks, Ships, Science, Seabirds and Whales
Presented by Sanctuary Researcher — Michael Thompson
What is a National Marine Sanctuary?
National marine sanctuaries are special areas in ocean and Great Lakes waters around our country; they are often called America’s underwater parks. Sites have been designated for their aesthetic beauty, the bounty of their natural resources, and/or the wealth of their cultural resources. Although some areas within national marine sanctuaries restrict certain activities to protect sanctuary resources, all are managed for compatible use such as recreation, tourism, travel, and commerce.
Why Stellwagen Bank?
The productive waters surrounding Stellwagen Bank have made the area famous as a fishing ground, and its regularly returning whales make it one of the world’s premier whale watching destinations. The 400-plus years of active vessel traffic inevitably led to accidents, with the sanctuary seafloor now providing the final resting place for many shipwrecks — some of special national significance. These cultural resources give us insights into our nation’s maritime history. The productive waters surrounding Stellwagen Bank have made the area famous as a fishing ground, and its regularly returning whales make it one of the world’s premier whale watching destinations. The 400-plus years of active vessel traffic inevitably led to accidents, with the sanctuary seafloor now providing the final resting place for many shipwrecks — some of special national significance. These cultural resources give us insights into our nation’s maritime
history.
Tickets for this event are:
- $10.00 per person for Society members
- $15.00 per person for non-members
Email GAR Hall Events for more information.
Mike Thompson has been a geographer for Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary since 2006, serving as a Geographic Information Systems analyst as well as supporting sanctuary research and management. His duties now include spatial analyses, database management, IT support, research, field work, and outreach. Mike received his bachelor’s degree in geography from Bridgewater State College. Before coming to the sanctuary, he worked at Perot Systems Government Services, an environmental consulting firm, working on multiple geospatial projects with the EPA, USDA, NAVY and NOAA. In 2001, Mike began working with the sanctuary during the Management Plan Review process and became interested in supporting the sanctuary mission. Mike is a Scituate native and grew up on the beach and around boats, even working as sternman on gillnet boats through college. He now enjoys spending time researching and protecting the same waters.
This program sponsored in part by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council, supporting cultural opportunities throughout the Commonwealth.
