TBNMS Hosts “Get into Your Sanctuary” Photo Contest

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is calling on photographers of all skill levels to submit photos of different maritime life, water activities and shipwrecks as part of their “Get into Your Sanctuary” photo contest.

There are five different categories in which photos can be submitted and anyone age 13 or older can submit photos free of charge.

“It’s a program to encourage everyone to get into their sanctuary and explore the really wonderful cultural and natural resources that we have here in Thunder Bay,” said Cassandra Sadler, Resource Protection Specialist at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Interested photographers can submit up to ten photos into a Google form on the NOAA website. Each photo must include the photographer’s name, short description of when and where the photo was taken and what is in the photo.

This is a nationwide contest that the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary earned a runner up position last time around. The rich maritime life in northeast Michigan has potential advantage for photographers.

“Some of our shipwrecks create really phenomenal images and opportunities to show what is resting on our lake bed that other people around the world have never been able to see before,” said Sadler.

Those submitting photos have the opportunity to explore northeast Michigan’s numerous bodies of water, and the marine sanctuary will enjoy the community engagement as well.

“Whether it’s just snorkeling in the water diving down or even enjoying themselves paddle boarding in a beautiful sunset.”

The marine sanctuary received several submissions last year and are hoping to receive even more this year.

“I hope that we get a few submissions from Thunder Bay,” said Sadler. “I think that with our cultural resources here we have a strong chance of taking home a prize.”

The marine sanctuary is taking submission for photos until September 4th.