WWI Steamships Preserved In Maryland Marine Sanctuary

ANNAPOLIS, MD —A new national marine sanctuary has been established in order to protect the remains of more than 100 abandoned steamships and vessels constructed during World War I. The
Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary, located approximately 40 miles south of Washington, D.C., will be the first national marine sanctuary designated since 2000.

Mallows Bay is most renowned for its “Ghost Fleet,” the partially submerged remains of more than 100 wooden steamships that were built in response to threats from World War I-era German U-boats that were sinking ships in the Atlantic. Time has taken its toll on the ships physically and the wreckage now provides shelter for animals.

Although the ships never saw action during the war, their construction at more than 40 shipyards in 17 states reflected the massive national wartime effort that drove the expansion and economic development of waterfront communities and maritime service industries. The fleet was brought to the Potomac River to be salvaged for scrap metal by a company in Alexandria, Va., not far from the sanctuary site.

“The designation of Mallows Bay as a national marine sanctuary is an exciting milestone for NOAA and an opportunity for the public to celebrate and help protect this piece of our nation’s rich maritime history,” said Neil Jacobs, acting NOAA administrator, in a statement.

The state of Maryland nominated the area for sanctuary designation in 2014 to protect and conserve shipwrecks and cultural heritage resources, to foster education and research partnerships, and to increase opportunities for public access, tourism and economic development.

“We are thrilled by NOAA’s announcement of the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary designation,” said Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan. ”Preserving our history, heritage and natural resources have always been a priority for our administration and designating this national treasure as a marine sanctuary is yet another example of our stewardship; and will ensure that people from both Maryland and beyond will have the opportunity to experience this amazing site for years to come.”

Located along an 18-square-mile stretch of Potomac River coast in Charles County, Md., the new sanctuary boasts a collection of historic shipwrecks dating back to the Civil War, as well as archaeological artifacts nearly 12,000 years old. Its culturally rich landscape also includes sites that represent the history of Native American communities in the area, the once-booming Potomac River fishing industry and the Civil War.

“There’s good reason that the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary will be the first national marine sanctuary created in the last two decades – it’s a unique blend of historical, recreational and habitat resources with strong public support for its protection,” said Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin in a statement. “I strongly applaud the dedication of all those who have worked to help get us to this point and will continue to work with them in support of the sanctuary’s final designation in the days ahead.”

The sanctuary designation will take effect following 45 days of Congressional session after publication of this action in the Federal Register.