Lake Erie Shipwreck Diver Slates
Project Number: E/MP-003-PD, Completion Report
Start Date: 4/1/2002
Completion Date: 9/30/2002
Revision Date: 10/21/2009
| Principal Investigator(s) | 1. | Karen T. Ricker, The Ohio State University* |
| This shows the current affiliation and may not match affiliation at time of participation. * | ||
Funding Record
| Source: Ohio Sea Grant College Program | |||
| Source Fund | State Match | Pass Through | |
| Total | $ 14,430.00 | $ 0.00 | $ 0.00 |
Objectives
Create a set of underwater diver slates for three historic shipwrecks in the Kelleys Island vicinity in Lake Erie: The dventure, The Prince, and The Hanna.
Promote ecotourism and recreational opportunities through the use of these slates for the diving community, Great Lakes Historical Society clientele, and others interested in maritime history and natural history.
Encourage stewardship and protection of Lake Erie Shipwrecks.
Promote ecotourism and recreational opportunities through the use of these slates for the diving community, Great Lakes Historical Society clientele, and others interested in maritime history and natural history.
Encourage stewardship and protection of Lake Erie Shipwrecks.
Rationale
Shipwrecks provide a nexus where natural history, maritime studies, and environmental stewardship meet. The wrecks offer a unique opportunity to (1) promote Lake Erie as an important natural resource that needs our stewardship; (2) increase tourism and the economy along the Lake Erie shoreline through an eco-tourism mechanism; and (3) teach Lake Erie users about Ohio's maritime history. Much time and effort has already been dedicated to mapping each shipwreck site. The only component that is still missing is a guide to each wreck. This project will fill that gap and enable a unique group of Lake Erie users (i.e. divers and maritime history enthusiasts) a resource that guides and educates them about a unique aspect of Ohio and Lake Erie.
Methodology
- Work with personnel from the Great Lakes Historical Society to develop the text and shipwreck diagram for each slate.
- Once produced, distribute and sell the slates on a cost-recovery basis to merchants along the Lake Erie coast; the Great Lakes Historical Society, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and other groups. The publication costs ($6090) will be returned to the program.
- Write and publish articles about the slates in Twine Line and other media to encourage their use, and to also explain how divers can help protect the shipwrecks and Lake Erie.
Benefits & Accomplishments
The project produced 750 sets of the shipwreck guides ("slates"). As article was written about the project and slates in our
program newsletter. Information about the guides are available on our web site at: www.sg.ohio-state.edu/pdfs/diveorder.pdf.
Publications & Media
| Peer-reviewed Publications | |
 | 2002, Guides to Lake Erie's historic shipwrecks: The Adventure, W. R. Hanna, and F. H. Prince. Columbus, OH: Ohio Sea Grant College Program. Publication OHSU-GS-020. |
