Maritime Heritage

Conservation Issue

view of the wreck of uss monitor under water. a diver is swimming near by
The wreck of the USS Monitor, a Civil War era ironclad, is a valuable historical and cultural resource that has the potential to be influenced by climate change. Photo: NOAA

Monitor National Marine Sanctuary (MNMS) protects the remains of the shipwreck the USS Monitor. Documenting and monitoring the USS Monitor is a critical component of sanctuary management and will provide a better overall understanding of the story of the sanctuary and surrounding region.

Description

Detailed knowledge is critical to developing both a focused management plan and for continued monitoring of the remains of the USS Monitor. Within the MNMS management plan, Strategy AR-2 of the Archaeological Research Action Plan section and Strategy RM-1 of the Resource Monitoring Action Plan section highlight the need for new data on the shipwreck and the need to establish a long-term monitoring system for MNMS.

the crew of the uss monitor on deck posing for a photo
Historical photos provide a window into the past of the USS Monitor. Continued archaeological monitoring and preservation will ensure important artifacts are protected and help tell the story of the USS Monitor. Photo: Library of Congress

Data and Analysis Needs

  1. Continued monitoring of the USS Monitor shipwreck remains
  2. Identification of new stakeholders to engage in the preservation of the shipwreck and history
  3. Impacts of climate change to the USS Monitor

Potential Products

  • Predictive modeling for potential management decision use
  • Scientific papers and reports
  • Education materials aimed at public audiences
  • Public engagement opportunities
  • New partnerships
  • Communication and outreach materials aimed at a stakeholder and community member audience that focus on maritime heritage

For more information about this assessment, contact monitor@noaa.gov.