The University of Georgia's Marine Resource Center and Marine Extension Service also made major contributions to this effort.
Sanctuary designation provides for the comprehensive management of exceptional marine resources.
Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary, a large expanse of live bottom reef on the South Atlantic Continental Shelf, was designated in 1981. It is a popular site for recreational fishing and diving and a natural laboratory for scientific investigations. This Management Plan focuses on the special resource features of Gray's Reef. The Plan is designed to inform sanctuary users and the general public about the Sanctuary and the various activities that are planned for the site over time. The Plan will be reviewed annually and updated every five years to reflect information and experience gained through sanctuary operations.