Around the Reef

By Ashley Misiaszek

Communications Intern Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary

Being from South Dakota, I never got to enjoy summertime on the coast. Our beaches weren’t white, our water wasn’t salty, and the views weren’t nearly as pretty. I was always jealous of those who were able to spend their summers enjoying the ocean and relaxing on the sand while enjoying time with family and friends. Once I moved to Georgia and started interning at Gray’s Reef, I began to realize what a privilege and responsibility it is to be able to enjoy our coast.

Many beach-goers who love to spend their summer holidays covered in sand while watching the waves continually creep closer to their camp spot don’t realize how close they are to one of our country’s national marine sanctuaries. It’s easy to forget how our festivities could be affecting the ocean and all that inhabit it. So, while you’re enjoying a day of fun in the sun, remember the blue in ‘red white and blue’ by practicing ocean etiquette during your summer holidays.

We all know summertime is busy on the beaches of Georgia and the Lowcountry. Since moving to the coast, I’m sometimes frustrated when there are few open spots on the sand to lay down my towel or set up my beach chair. But as I’ve participated in summer celebrations, I’ve also come to understand that more people mean more trash. Plastic is riddled everywhere during busy summer days, from cups and straws to food wrappers and bottle tops; it’s hard to walk down a crowded beach without sidestepping trash piles.

I’ve learned while interning at Gray’s Reef that most of the sanctuary’s debris consists of fishing line, cans, and bottles—items that can easily blow off in the wind whether you intended them to or not. Instead of filling that cooler with dozens of cans and bottles, opt for a reusable tumbler or water bottle. That way, you are not having to constantly toss your empty beverage containers into the (not so nearby) trash.

Gray’s Reef has focused on tracking currents to see how adjoining rivers deliver pollutants into the ocean. So, if tubing along the river is more your style, make sure you’re keeping those river banks clean too. It’s been found that 95% of the trash collected in Gray’s Reef is found along the reef’s ledges, forcing sea creatures and divers to muddle through it. Although the debris hidden within Gray’s Reef is far less than in other places, no diver wants to capture a picture of a loggerhead turtle with a metallic can in the background.

There are ways that we can better take care of our coasts to ensure that our beloved traditions don’t ruin our planet’s most enjoyable and beautiful spots. Garbage that took only one day to amass can spend several years in the ocean if not cleaned up. Many beach communities put together cleanup crews to help tidy up the shores after summer festivities. You also can take precautions to ensure your impact on the coast is a friendly one, which will help the environment stay healthy as you celebrate.

Gray’s Reef will continue to advocate ocean etiquette as the season continues and encourages everyone to do the same. I am so grateful that I live near the ocean now, but I am often reminded that while we continue to make memories on its beautiful shores, the ocean will always depend on us.

Keeping our beaches clean helps protect ocean life like this loggerhead. sea turtle. Photo provided by NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC

A glass bottle found after the Fourth of July holiday. Photo by P. Auster

For more information, email: michelle.riley@noaa.gov or call (912) 598-2345

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