Alpena in Alpena County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Research Vessels

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 2018

1. Research Vessels Marker

Inscription.
For centuries explorers and scientists have researched the Great Lakes. As a vital transportation link to the Midwest and one of the largest sources of fresh water on the planet. Such important resources warranted scientific, charting and survey expeditions in and around Thunder Bay for the past 200 years. Today these studies include archaeological research on the shipwrecks of Thunder Bay to discover more about our past, present, and future.

The key to the success of this archaeological research are the vessels operated by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab. They operate a fleet of research vessels to survey, locate and study Thunder Bay's shipwrecks and submerged maritime heritage resources. Various vessels, from 80-foot extended cruising ships to 10-foot open boats, carry out research ranging from deep water remote sensing surveys to shipwreck mapping expeditions in a few feet of water. Research vessels are key to connecting researchers, students, and the public to the Great Lakes.

Erected by Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Trail.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Exploration • Science & Medicine • Waterways & Vessels.

Location.

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45° 4.043′ N, 83° 26.074′ W. Marker is in Alpena, Michigan, in Alpena County. Marker can be reached from West Fletcher Street west of Commercial Street, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located along the Alpena Bi-Path, on the west side of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife complex, beside the Thunder Bay River. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 480 West Fletcher Street, Alpena MI 49707, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rising from the Ashes: The New Orleans (here, next to this marker); Steaming Open the Frontier (a few steps from this marker); Propellers (within shouting distance of this marker); The Loss of the Pewabic (within shouting distance of this marker); Bigger, Stronger, Faster (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); International Shipmaster's Association (about 400 feet away); A Shipbuilding Revolution (about 400 feet away); Fast Steel Flyer: The Bulk Freighter Grecian (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alpena.

More about this marker. Marker is a large composite plaque, mounted waist-high on a metal supporting rack.

Also see . . . Research. Lake Huron’s cold, fresh water ensures that Thunder Bay’s shipwrecks are among the best preserved in the world. The

Marker detail: RV <i>Huron Explorer</i> (above, right), the first of NOAA’s petroleum-free vesse image. Click for full size.

2. Marker detail: RV Huron Explorer (above, right), the first of NOAA’s petroleum-free vesse

At the forefront of environmentally sustainable vessel technology, NOAA operates several vessels in the Great Lakes that rely entirely on bio-based fuels, lubricants and hydraulics.

sanctuary conducts a variety of research in an effort to better understand and protect the recreational, historical and archeological value of the region’s maritime heritage resources. Knowledge acquired through research is used to evaluate existing management practices, improve future management decisions, and educate the public about the significance of the Great Lakes and their history. (Submitted on August 25, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Marker sidebar photos image. Click for full size.

3. Marker sidebar photos

Research Vessels Marker (<i>wide view looking south across tour boat and the Thunder Bay River</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 2018

4. Research Vessels Marker (wide view looking south across tour boat and the Thunder Bay River)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 137 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 25, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.