Jan 23, 2023
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) executives Ellen Brody, Great Lakes Regional Coordinator for NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, and Jeff Gray, Superintendent of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena, Michigan, will speak at the 2023 New York State Tourism Conference, April 19-21, in Oswego, N.Y.
They will address the transformational potential of the proposed Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary has the potential to benefit communities near and far, including opportunities for education, research, outdoor recreation, and tourism.
The Proposed Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary is an exciting new development that share the historical, archaeological, and cultural stories represented in Lake Ontario and protect the underwater marine environment for future generations. Representing the gateway to the Great Lakes, the sanctuary will benefit from long-term protection, management and interpretation.
Plan now to join us for the 2023 NYS Tourism Conference: Register // Book Your Room
National Marine Sanctuary System
The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries serves as the trustee for a network of underwater parks encompassing more than 620,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters from Washington state to the Florida Keys, and from Lake Huron to American Samoa. The network includes a system of 15 national marine sanctuaries and Papahānaumokuākea and Rose Atoll marine national monuments.
Ellen Brody, Great Lakes Regional Coordinator
NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuary
As the Great Lakes Regional Coordinator for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Ellen Brody works with Great Lakes communities on new sanctuary designations and nominations, coordinates programs for the national marine sanctuaries, and builds partnerships with other government agencies and organizations. Ellen is leading the designation for the proposed Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary and is the Sanctuary Advisory Council Coordinator for the proposed Hudson Canyon NMS. Ellen spent her first nine years with NOAA in Washington, D.C. in the national coastal management office, focusing on the Great Lakes. She is based in Ann Arbor, MI at the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab.
Jeff Gray, Superintendent
NOAA / Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Since 2002, Jeff Gray has served as the superintendent of NOAA's \Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena, Michigan. The 4,300 square-mile sanctuary protects the Great Lakes and their rich history, so this and future generations can enjoy these underwater treasures. As sanctuary superintendent, Jeff directs the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, the sanctuary’s research, education, and visitor center. The center receives nearly 100,000 visitors annually. Jeff has played an active role in parks and recreation in Michigan. In addition to serving on several local and regional boards, Jeff served as a member of Michigan’s Blue Ribbon Panel on State Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Michigan State Park Advisory Committee. Before joining NOAA, Jeff served as the State Underwater Archaeologist for the Sate of Wisconsin.