An 875-square-mile section of Lake Michigan that holds dozens of shipwrecks could be federally protected under marine sanctuary status in the near future.  

Stretching from Two Rivers to Port Washington, the lakeshore could be protected as a natural resource as well as a spot for research since that area of the lake houses 33 known shipwrecks and many others, according to an Associated Press report.  

Communities can apply for sanctuary status through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The first applications will likely arrive in the fall, NOAA spokeswoman Ellen Brody told the AP.

The proposed sanctuary would become one of just two in the Great Lakes and would be part of 13 such natural preserves in the country.

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena, Mich., is currently the sole Great Lakes sanctuary and boosts local tourism with more than 80,000 visitors per year.

For the application process, lakeshore communities nominate themselves and explain why their shoreline should become a preserve.

"A marine sanctuary in Manitowoc would allow our citizens and visitors to experience the power and beauty of Lake Michigan and protect its rich maritime history through research, education and resource protection while enhancing our pride in Manitowoc's maritime heritage," said Mayor Justin Nickels, as quoted by the Manitowoc Herald Times.

The sanctuary status process formerly took years, but self-nomination should make things move more quickly. Applications should be submitted by the fall, after which they will go through several months of review in Washington.

The proposed sanctuary has already been well-received by locals.

"I am incredibly energized by the people I've met in communities and in the state who are passionate about what a sanctuary could do," said Brody, as quoted by the Herald Times. "So to me, it's the people on the ground who make the difference, so in that sense, I'm very optimistic."

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