MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary was officially given its designation on Saturday, joining only 15 national maritime sanctuaries in the country.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, published draft documents back in 2017.
And in 2019, these lawmakers were right here in Manitowoc pushing the maritime museum into the national spotlight.
But as politicians praise Saturday’s progress, others aren’t.
Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels said in 2019 that some citizens did not support making a national landmark out of the Wisconsin waters they call home.
“It could be people feel the federal government are actually going to come on their land and take their land if it’s near the boundary,” said Nickels. “Those are unfounded arguments.”
The Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary will also serve as a learning lab for students here in Northeast Wisconsin for years to come.
Governor Tony Evers adding it offers hands-on learning opportunities.
“Classrooms across the state while they’re doing that and learning about the history not only of when those shipwrecks went down. Why they were there, what kind of cargo they were carrying.”
The sanctuary includes the waters in the Manitowoc, Sheboygan and Ozaukee areas.
And as for next steps, Evers office says the sanctuary will be co-managed by the state of Wisconsin.
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