Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve Regulations

NOAA issues final regulations to implement the designation of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, which encompasses an area of State of Michigan waters over and surrounding Thunder Bay, and the submerged lands thereunder including the Bay, in western Lake Huron, by regulating activities affecting Sanctuary resources, as defined by and consistent with the provisions of the Designation Document. In addition, this document publishes the Designation Document and summarizes the final management plan for the Sanctuary, detailing the goals and objectives, management responsibilities, research activities, interpretive and educational programs, and enforcement activities for the area. The National Marine Sanctuaries Act requires the Secretary of Commerce to issue final regulations to implement the designation of a National Marine Sanctuary. The intended effect of these regulations is to protect the Sanctuary's resources, which are limited to underwater cultural resources.