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2021 marks four decades of ocean protection with the designation of Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Since designation, fishers, divers, scientists, ocean conservationists, and many others have discovered the hidden gems and marine wildlife within the sanctuary. Gray's Reef has multiple ways you can celebrate this milestone and help protect the live-bottom habitat for decades to come!

Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary is an important habitat for sea turtles year round. The ledges and overhangs of the reef provide sea turtles with places to rest and forage for food.

Michelle Riley was awarded the Sea to Shining Sea Award by the National Association of Interpretation for organizing the Live Exploration of Gray's Reef with Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) to bring the marvels of Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary to viewers all over the world.


On Tuesday, September 1, 2015 researchers from Georgia Southern University and Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary released 50 gallons of a non-toxic red dye (rhodamine WT) into the Altamaha River.