Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary
Video coming soon…
Located about 40 miles southeast of Savannah, Georgia and encompassing approximately 22 miles of protected “live-bottom” seafloor habitat, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary is an ocean park teeming with life. The sanctuary provides year-round opportunities for sport fishing, recreational diving, and boating. The research area within the sanctuary hosts one of the only designated no-take zones in the region, which makes Gray’s Reef a catalyst for scientific research studying water quality, ocean noise, hurricane prediction, and climate change.
TOUR OF DUTY DATE:
April 2026
SCIENTIFIC PARTNERS:
Gray’s Reef National
Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS), University of Georgia
Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (SkIO)
OBJECTIVES:
- Conduct scientific dive operations to include transect studies, focal species fish and coral counts, as well as marine debris removal and microplastics analysis.
- Additionally, the team will support the Southeast Regional Marine Advanced Technology Education Remotely Operated Vehicle (MATE ROV) youth competition that promotes science, ocean stewardship, and veteran-led conservation initiatives.
RESULTS:
Six (6) FORCE BLUE veterans conducted four scientific dives identifying and counting nine different focal fish species and five coral species within the sanctuary to facilitate NOAA and University of Georgia marine research. Additionally, the team collected 360 degree imagery for GRNMS research and VR integration for community programs. The team spent one day removing approx. 500lbs of marine debris from Skidaway and Moon Rivers as well as Pigeon Island and the Wormsloe Historic Site. Finally, the team supported the MATE ROV regional competition by inprocessing teams, underwater filming, and community education and outreach about the local NMS and marine conservation.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
FORCE BLUE assisted Gray’s Reef NMS staff with their Education and Outreach event at the Gray’s Reef Ocean Discovery Center teaching about microplastics and engaging with the community. The team also supported the regional MATE ROV competition by underwater filming and manning a booth to engage the community on marine conservation
