The sanctuary advisory council's charter is the instrument by which a council is officially established. It provides the scope of the council's responsibilities and serves as the constitution for the council's operation.

The Gray's Reef advisory council charter is reviewed and revised every five years.

More information on how the Council conducts its business can be found in the Gray's Reef Sanctuary Advisory Council Charter (revised October 2016, Amended June 2017).

In addition to the charter, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has developed a Council Handbook (revised September 2010) that provides guidance for sanctuary advisory councils.