This project will work cooperatively with NOAA office of national marine sanctuaries to engage remote visitors through an interactive digital visitor center, and to inspire and guide in-person…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded a $190,000 Project Grant to the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation under the Congressionally Identified Awards and Projects program (CFDA 11.469). The Foundation will work with NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries to develop an interactive digital visitor center and virtual 3D trails to engage remote and in-person visitors at the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary in Maryland. This will allow the sanctuary, designated in 2020, to better protect the "Ghost Fleet" of WWI-era shipwrecks and foster recreation and economic opportunity through improved digital and on-site experiences. The funding will support creation of digital and virtual tools to guide visitors to the sanctuary remotely and on location along the water and hiking trails, furthering the sanctuary's conservation and public access goals.

This project will work cooperatively with NOAA office of national marine sanctuaries to engage remote visitors through an interactive digital visitor center, and to inspire and guide in-person visitation, through virtual 3-d water trail and hiking trail experiences at mallows BAY-potomac river national marine sanctuary. This project will further the ability of the first national marine sanctuary designated in nearly two decades, mallows BAY-potomac river national marine sanctuary, located in maryland's potomac river, to protect the ghost fleet of WWI vessels, and to foster recreational access and economic opportunity.