ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland's first national marine sanctuary has officially opened along an 18-square-mile stretch of Potomac River coast known as Mallows Bay. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration made the designation, which now allows officials to preserve the remains of more than 100 World War I-era vessels.

"The Mallows Bay landscape truly tells the story of our beginnings, our struggles, and our progress as Marylanders and Americans," said Gov. Larry Hogan in a statement. "Through this designation, we are ensuring that this national treasure will attract families, anglers, kayakers, and history buffs for years to come."

Mallows Bay is known for its "Ghost Fleet" of steamships that were built in response to the threat of German U-boats as America mobilized for the First World War. The marine area is home to the remains of vessels dating as far back as the American Revolution. Native American, colonial and Civil War sites of significant historical and archeological value are also located nearby.