MANITOWOC, Wis. (AP) — Four communities along the shores of Lake Michigan say a national marine sanctuary would have a large economic impact on the region’s tourism. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Monday it would begin the designation process for the proposed Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary off the shores of Two Rivers, Manitowoc, Sheboygan and Port Washington. Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels says the impact of the sanctuary in terms of tourism dollars would be “massive.” Community leaders anticipate many more divers would come to explore the underwater wrecks, along with more kayakers, snorkelers and those with an interest in nautical history. The sanctuary would include 39 known shipwrecks, including the two oldest in Wisconsin. Fifteen of the 39 shipwrecks are on the National Register of Historic Places.
