A round the Reef
Get Into Your Sanctuary!
By Michelle Riley & Brennan Perry Communications and Public Outreach Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary
T
hose of us lucky enough to work at Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary want to share Georgia’s amazing underwater park, and we’ve been pleased to see fishermen and divers in the sanctuary. Just last month, our research divers saw more than a dozen fishing boats in the sanctuary during a kingfish tournament – the winners wouldn’t give up their fishing holes, but we know there are big kingfish in Gray’s Reef! Not everyone can get out to Gray’s Reef, so we’ve partnered with Live
Oak Public Libraries to bring the sanctuary indoors. On August 12, we’re offering a special treat at the Islands Library to celebrate the third annual “Get Into Your Sanctuary” day. On that day, we invite young and old to drop by and take an in-depth dive to Gray’s Reef, using special virtual reality goggles so you won’t need to get your feet wet! Our interactive traveling exhibit, “Gray’s Reef on the Road,” is set up at the Islands Library already. We’ve heard rave reviews from the islanders, mostly about how surprised they are to hear snapping shrimp and oyster toadfish noises coming from the selfie photo spot. On August 12, Gray’s Reef staff will enhance that experience by offering 360-degree virtual dives, telling ocean tales during story time and offering some giveaways to library visitors. Prior to “Get Into Your Sanctuary” day, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is sponsoring a photo contest July 1 – August 12. We encourage you to take photos while out at Gray’s Reef and join the fun nationwide! Tell your out-of-state friends and family about “Get Into Your Sanctuary” day on August 12. The vast majority of national marine sanctuary waters are open to recreational fishing, birding, wildlife watching, diving, surfing or kayaking, so there’s a good chance they can get on the water at one of our sister sanctuaries, including Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Monitor National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of North Carolina.
Email: michelle.riley@noaa.gov
How to Get Involved
Take a virtual dive to Gray’s Reef: On Saturday, August 12, visit the Islands Library at 50 Johnny Mercer Blvd on Whitemarsh Island in Savannah. Participate in the photo contest: Send your favorite fishing, diving and boating photos from inside Gray’s Reef and share them with #ILoveMySanctuary hashtag, then send to NOAA at earthisblue@noaa. gov. Photos must be at least 1200 pixels wide. Check out last year’s photos from around the U.S.: Visit http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/ earthisblue/photo-contest-winners-2016.html