Updates
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thousand Islands Divers Alliance Announces Project Baseline Approval for Keystorm Stewardship Initiative
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Alexandria Bay, NY — February 26, 2026
The Thousand Islands Divers Alliance (TIDA) is proud to announce that its Keystorm Stewardship Initiative has been officially approved by Project Baseline, a global conservation platform founded by divers to document and protect underwater environments.
This designation places the wreck of the Keystorm among an international network of monitored aquatic sites, where trained divers collect standardized environmental data to establish long-term ecological baselines. The data will contribute to a growing global database used to assess environmental change over time.
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The Keystorm, one of the St. Lawrence River’s most iconic historic shipwrecks, rests on Outer Scow Island Shoal, approximately eight miles downriver from Alexandria Bay. Sunk in 1912 after colliding with the shoal in fog, the Keystorm serves as both a historical landmark and a popular dive destination. Through this initiative, TIDA divers will conduct structured documentation dives, collecting photographic records and environmental observations designed to monitor site conditions, visibility trends, invasive species presence, and structural integrity of the wreck.
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“This approval affirms that our stewardship efforts meet internationally recognized standards,” said Todd D. Keister, President and Co-Founder of TIDA. “The Keystorm is not just a dive site — it is part of our region’s maritime heritage. By participating in Project Baseline, we are ensuring that future generations have both the data and the awareness needed to protect it. Our volunteer divers will begin work at the site this spring”
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Project Baseline was created to empower citizen scientists — particularly divers — to gather consistent, repeatable environmental data that can be used by researchers, policymakers, and conservation organizations worldwide. TIDA’s Keystorm Stewardship Initiative now becomes part of this global conservation network.
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The initiative also aligns with TIDA’s broader mission to promote environmental stewardship, diver safety, public education, and preservation of historic wrecks throughout the Thousand Islands region.
In addition to baseline data collection at the Keystorm, TIDA continues active documentation and stewardship efforts at other regional wreck sites, including the Islander, while working with municipalities and community partners to improve safe shoreline access and diver awareness. This work will build on the original Project Baseline site at the historic wreck of the A.E. Vickery. That project was sponsored by Bob Sherwood and his All About Scuba operation in Alexandria bay.
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TIDA welcomes certified divers interested in participating in Project Baseline dives and encourages community members to follow the project’s progress through their website. For more information about TIDA, membership opportunities, or sponsorship partnerships, visit: www.tidivers.org
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Media Contact:
Todd D. Keister
President, Thousand Islands Divers Alliance
tidiversalliance@gmail.com
607-222-6215
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Thousand Islands Divers Alliance Receives Municipal Approval for Diver Down Safety Signage and Islander Shore Access Improvements
Alexandria Bay, NY — February 12, 2026
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The Thousand Islands Divers Alliance (TIDA) has received formal approval from both the Village of Clayton and the Village of Alexandria Bay to install Diver Down Flag Awareness signage at key public dock and boat launch locations in their respective communities.
In Clayton, signage will be placed at Rotary Park Dock and the Mary Street Boat Launch and Dock to improve boater awareness and enhance safety in shared waterways.
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In Alexandria Bay, village officials approved both the Diver Down Awareness signage initiative and TIDA’s proposed Islander Shore Access Improvement project. The Village has expressed its intent to collaborate with TIDA in pursuing grant funding to support improvements that promote safe, managed access to the historic Islander shipwreck site.
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“These approvals reflect a shared commitment to public safety, environmental stewardship, and responsible recreation on the St. Lawrence River,” said Todd Keister, President of TIDA. “We are grateful for the partnership and leadership shown by both village boards.”
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Additionally, the Village of Alexandria Bay has invited TIDA to assist in planning a possible future Diver Weekend event in coordination in the village. The proposed event would celebrate the region’s maritime heritage, promote responsible diving practices, and support local businesses.
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Founded in 2025, TIDA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to underwater cleanup, diver safety education, shipwreck preservation, and environmental stewardship throughout the Thousand Islands region.
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Installation timelines and further project updates will be announced in the coming weeks.
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Media Contact:
Todd Keister
President, Thousand Islands Divers Alliance
607-222-6215
tidiversalliance@gmail.com
tidivers.org