Michigan Shipwreck Research Association

Michigan Shipwreck Research Association (MSRA) is an American non-profit corporation based in Holland, Michigan.^[1] Formed in 2001 by the former directors of the committee which originally established the Southwest Michigan Underwater Preserve, their stated purpose is to "Preserve Michigan’s Submerged Maritime History."^[2] With the discovery of the steamer H. C. Akeley outside the boundaries of the preserve, the group broadened their area of focus and formed MSRA.

MSRA works with a number of affiliates, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, the United States Coast Guard, the University of Michigan, and the Michigan State Police. Other affiliates include authors, archaeologists, oceanographers, marine engineers, historians, and explorers. MSRA has conducted joint operations with David Trotter's Undersea Research Associates (URA) and Clive Cussler's National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA).^{[citation needed]}

Founding and current board members include: Craig Rich, Valerie (Olson) van Heest, Jack van Heest, and Neel Zoss. Rich and the van Heests serve as part of the MSRA Dive Team. The technical dive team consists of Jeff Vos, Todd White, and Bob Underhill. They also do the majority of the underwater photography and videography.^{[citation needed]}