and Wrecks.

• Position: Lake Eerie shipwreck preserves - Brief Article

Ohio, following sister state Michigan's lead, has developed shipwreck preserves in Lake Erie to protect the wreck sites while increasing public awareness of its maritime history.

The state's cold waters proved unlucky for sailors and ships, but have helped to preserve an estimated 1,700 wrecks for history.

Michigan directed the establishment of underwater preserves in 1980 in lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior as attractions for divers and tourists who visit lakeside museums and participate in glass-bottomed boat tours.

The next step for Ohio's underwater sanctuaries is to establish basic rules for divers, boaters and fishermen in and around the shallow-water wrecks. Although a 1991 Ohio law permits up to 10 percent of the state's submerged land to be designated as...