Identify, Protect, Conserve, Enhance

Partnerships and the new research vessel Gannet bring a new standard of research to Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary.

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Annual Accomplishments

From the Superintendent

On behalf of our incredible team at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, I am delighted to share what we have achieved throughout Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 towards meeting our management plan goals and objectives. FY2023 was a pivotal year for the sanctuary being the first full-year of post-COVID 19 operations and a transition to a new management paradigm.   I welcome you to read our full accomplishments report, with some highlights below.

First full year of the Gray’s Reef Ocean Discovery Center

With the efforts of our center staff and volunteers, the Ocean Discovery Center now extends its welcome to the public every Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, providing a unique and engaging space that encourages learning and discovery. This moment gives us reason to celebrate the achievements of the past year and instills an even greater sense of anticipation for the future. Plan your visit.

New sanctuary staff

2023 brought three new affiliate staff to support the sanctuary’s mission. Mary Quinn, Education and Outreach Specialist Katie Sandefur, Education Assistant George Poole, Vessel Captain Kathy Liu, Georgia Sea Grant Fellow Meet our staff

Assessing sanctuary health through the condition report

Knowing the current state of the sanctuary is a key factor as the management plan review process approaches. This assessment lays the foundation for informed decision-making and effective conservation strategies. In a collaborative effort involving sanctuary researchers, stakeholders, and educators, a comprehensive three-day workshop was conducted to compile data from numerous health markers. Read more about the condition report process.

First annual science symposium

The legacy of scientific research at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary stretches back over 40 years. The inaugural symposium convened researchers and students who studied Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary as early as 2003, exemplifying the long-term monitoring happening in the sanctuary. Presented research included ocean acidification, predator-prey relationships in fishes, ocean currents, artificial reefs, ocean gliders, microplastics, North Atlantic right whale monitoring, and ocean sound topics. Discovery the sanctuary’s research.

Research Vessel Gannet (R5202) acquisition

The research vessel (R/V) Gannet is a 52-foot NOAA class III boat that brings a new era of ocean research, monitoring, education, and discovery to the southeast U.S. On Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, the sanctuary dedicated the research vessel Gannet. The vessel is designed to deploy ocean monitoring instruments like underwater robots, ocean gliders, and seafloor sensors. Learn about the sanctuary’s vessel fleet.