Gray’s Reef was designated as a national marine sanctuary on January 16, 1981 by President Jimmy Carter, but the history of the reef—once known as the ‚Sapelo Live Bottom’—dates back to pre-Columbian North America. The Sanctuary was named in recognition of Milton ‚Sam‘ Gray, who discovered the area in modern times.
the research area to compare data between locations with
Milton ‚Sam‘ Gray was a marine taxonomist and biological collector who studied invertebrates along the Atlantic coast. Most of his career was spent studying seafloor life in the northeastern United States, but migrated south later to study the diversity of the Georgia coasts—the first of such studies in the region.
conducted by Sam Gray identified Gray’s Reef as an area with
Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary selects an annual Volunteer of the Year to commemorate the efforts of a volunteer—or group of volunteers—who make an exceptional impact on the sanctuary’s goals and efforts.
Phillips logged over 70 dives with Gray’s Reef staff
Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary offers opportunities for fishing and diving throughout the year. The sanctuary also has a visitor center in Savannah, Georgia, and online, virtual experiences for those who don’t have a boat to travel to the offshore sanctuary.
essential for ecosystem-based management and can assist with
The council consists of public and government members. All public members apply through a regular recruitment process.
Working groups may provide the council with ongoing
