Take a Dive (Live) in NOAA’s Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary

two scuba divers with lights and a camera explore a shipwreck — The 135-foot, three-masted schooner *St. Peter* is one of the most impressive recreationally accessible shipwrecks in Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. Explore *St.Peter* virtually. Photo: NOAA

Starting next week, the public is invited to join NOAA virtually and be among the first to explore never-before-seen shipwrecks in Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. During the expedition, NOAA scientists and partners will deploy a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) outfitted with a high-definition camera and other technologies to survey and document the sanctuary’s shipwrecks.

From May 18 through May 25, anyone with an internet connection can ride along as a team of scientists and maritime archaeologists narrate the mission in real time. The sanctuary features an extraordinary collection of 63 known shipwrecks and one known submerged aircraft, among the best preserved in the world, discovered over decades by local recreational scuba divers and shipwreck explorers.

The shipwrecks, such as the steel steam barge, Roberval, that foundered while carrying lumber in September 1916, embody more than two centuries of the nation’s maritime history. The dives will reveal many details that add to our understanding of the past, as well as the identities and fates of the sanctuary’s shipwrecks.

A square piece of equipment with cameras, lights, and propellers and a long spool of cable — The Voyis Discovery Stereo Camera shown integrated into the payload skid on the University of Rhode Island’s Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). The ROV is resting on the reel of fiber optic umbilical that powers and transfers data from the vehicle to scientists aboard the research ship. Photo: University of Rhode Island

“This expedition is a remarkable opportunity for our scientists and for the sanctuary, combining state-of-the-art marine imaging and a remotely operated vehicle to document some of the best preserved shipwrecks in the world, right here on Eastern Lake Ontario,” said Ben Ioset, chief scientist for the expedition. “This project will greatly advance the sanctuary’s ability to not only protect these historic shipwrecks, but to interpret their significance to the public.”

Tune In

What: Remotely operated vehicle dives within Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary.

When:

May 19: 1 to 1:30 p.m. EDT
Introducing the Deepwater Shipwreck Expedition in Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. Tune in to learn about the expedition, meet the team, and URI's ROV Rhody!

May 23: 10 a.m. to Noon EDT
Chief Scientists Ben Ioset, PhD and Expedition Lead Jason Fahy will host as we all see a never-before-seen shipwreck direct from the ROV dive camera.

May 28: 1 to 1:30 p.m. EDT
Expedition highlights will be shared, including collected dive footage and stories from the science party.

Check back as dates and times are subject to change depending on weather conditions.

Where to Watch: NOAA Sanctuaries YouTube Channel [Tip: You can turn notification on for each live stream event]

Why: Data collected during this mission will help NOAA fulfill its mandate to protect and conserve the nation’s maritime heritage resources. This work is authorized by the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C. § 1431(b)(4)), which directs the Secretary of Commerce “to enhance public awareness, understanding, appreciation, and wise use of the marine environment, and the natural, historical, cultural, and ecological resources of the National Marine Sanctuary System.”

Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary celebrates the region’s maritime cultural history and provides new opportunities for research, education, recreation and maritime heritage-related tourism in local coastal communities and the broader Great Lakes region.