Projects
2026 will be the first operational season for TIDA. Our members' past work includes cleanup operations, dive site access improvements, shipwreck preservation, and building underwater training areas for divers. We will be posting about events and new projects beginning in May, so be sure to check back and join us!
Islander Cleanup
Divers removed several hundred pounds of debris from the area of the wreck of the SS Islander in Alexandria Bay. Lawn chairs, cans, vinyl siding, a vacuum cleaner and toilet were among the items removed. The trash was taken to the landfill by village employees. This event was sponsored by St. Lawrence Scuba Co.
Underwater Navigation Course
This navigation course covers nearly two acres in Grass Bay. Divers navigate a series of 11 waypoints marked by underwater buoys. It is the only one of its kind in North America. It can be accessed via Cape Vincent East End Park. The design, materials and labor were provided through TDK Scuba Enterprises.
Visibility/Turbidity Measuring Station
This 40-foot structure was built to measure the visibility of the river with the readings tracked over time by Project Baseline. It is located at a depth of 30 feet and lies offshore in front of the Old Cornwall Brothers Store & Museum in Alexandria Bay. Using markers with measured distances and a secchi disk, citizen divers can approximate visibility distance and send the data for recording in the database. Future projects will use turbidity sensors for more accurate readings to be shared with researchers. This project was sponsored by TDK Scuba Enterprises.
Project Baseline - Monitoring the SS Islander
Originally built in the late 19th century, the Islander was an early tour boat in the 1000 Islands. This side-wheel steamer was docked at the Cornwall Brothers Pier on the night of September 16, 1909, when she caught fire and sank. She lies at the bottom with her starboard side resting at 50 feet deep. In 2023, it was designated as a Project Baseline-monitored site, Station Steamboat 1. The condition of the wreck as well as the marine species that congregate there are monitored and recorded along with temperature and visibility readings. Underwater signage at the site encourages divers to share their observations. This project was funded by TDK Scuba Enterprises.