Feb 23, 2024by: Larry Dorminy No Comments

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Annual Accomplishments Report

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Identify, Protect, Conserve, Enhance

two scuba divers holding arms and an aerial picture of the research vessel Gannet

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

A person instructs a group of people at an ocean-themed visitor 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

A collage of four people wearing blue shirts

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

A person presents in front of a panel of people both in person and through virtual video

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.

A person speaking to a group of in front of a presentation screen

Research Vessel Gannet (R5202) acquisition

The research vessel Gannet motoring through a coastal salt marsh

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.

The mission of Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary is to identify, protect, conserve, and enhance the natural and cultural resources, values, and qualities of the sanctuary for current and future generations.

Stay Connected with NOAA’s National Ocean Service

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Feb 22, 2024by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 36.185,-76.4529999
Hertford’s quiet, rural setting, rich history add to its appeal – Eric Medlin

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Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Annual Accomplishments Report

Identify, Protect, Conserve, Enhance

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Annual Accomplishments

From the Superintendent

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

New sanctuary staff

Assessing sanctuary health through the condition report

First annual science symposium

Research Vessel Gannet (R5202) acquisition

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Hertford’s quiet, rural setting, rich history add to its appeal – Eric Medlin

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Guns on ‘The Loop?’ New York Law Challenged in Court – Peter Swanson

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Around the world in a 32 footer by Jeremy Bagshaw

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As Right Whale Nursery Becomes ‘Crime Scene,’ Renewed Pressure To Slow Down Small Craft

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Ballance to bring Ocracoke history to Core Sound’s present

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National Geographic Travel

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A skipper laments for simpler times (and simpler boats)

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6 Facts About Ancient Navigation

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DNA project links individual female loggerheads, nests on Coastal Review

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Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Annual Accomplishments Report

Identify, Protect, Conserve, Enhance

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Annual Accomplishments

From the Superintendent

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

New sanctuary staff

Assessing sanctuary health through the condition report

First annual science symposium

Research Vessel Gannet (R5202) acquisition

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Hertford’s quiet, rural setting, rich history add to its appeal – Eric Medlin

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Guns on ‘The Loop?’ New York Law Challenged in Court – Peter Swanson

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Around the world in a 32 footer by Jeremy Bagshaw

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As Right Whale Nursery Becomes ‘Crime Scene,’ Renewed Pressure To Slow Down Small Craft

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Ballance to bring Ocracoke history to Core Sound’s present

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National Geographic Travel

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A skipper laments for simpler times (and simpler boats)

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6 Facts About Ancient Navigation

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DNA project links individual female loggerheads, nests on Coastal Review

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