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NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Reopens Recruitment for 11 Sanctuary Advisory Council Seats
Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary management is seeking applicants for 11 open seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council. This council provides NOAA and the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries with guidance and recommendations on managing the sanctuary. The 21 members represent a wide range of community interests, including fishing, diving, conservation, science, education, tourism, and local, state, and federal agencies, as well as the general public.
With a revision of the sanctuary’s management plan on the horizon, The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries will be working closely with the council to help advise in the plan’s development. Council members will help provide important community input into assessing future resource conservation challenges, emerging ecosystem threats, and key socio-economic, cultural, and special-interest considerations. The application period closes December 14. For more information about the application process, please contact graysreef@noaa.gov or visit our Council Recruitment page.
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Gray's Reef Ocean Discovery Center Debuts New Public Exhibits
The Gray’s Reef Ocean Discovery Center has reopened to the public, unveiling an exciting collection of new, interactive exhibits. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sanctuary’s vibrant ecosystem and explore its rich natural and cultural history. The newly reimagined discovery center offers hands-on experiences highlighting everything from the origins of the sanctuary to the extraordinary marine life that inhabits Gray’s Reef. Each exhibit is thoughtfully designed to educate, inspire, and foster a deeper appreciation for this unique underwater habitat.
For more information about the Gray’s Reef Ocean Discovery Center, please contact graysreef@noaa.gov or check out the Ocean Discovery Center's webpage.
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 Gray's Reef Education and Outreach Specialist welcoming some of the first visitors to the newly reimagined Ocean Discovery Center. Photo by Danielle Oxman/NOAA.
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 Guests experiencing a hands-on invertebrate survey activity at the Ocean Discovery Center. Photo by Danielle Oxman/NOAA.
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MATE Season Begins with Hands-On Educator Workshop
In November, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary staff partnered with Georgia Tech’s Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC) Savannah campus and the Marine Technology Society (MTS) to host a two-day underwater robotics workshop for educators. Participants explored the scientific and engineering principles behind underwater robotics, applying what they learned as they constructed their own remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
Educators then put their ROVs to the test in a pool, practicing navigation techniques and troubleshooting their designs. The workshop equipped attendees with the tools and strategies they need to prepare their students for the upcoming MATE ROV Competition.
For more information about MATE ROV workshops and competitions, please contact graysreef@noaa.gov.
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Educators testing their built ROVs in the pool. Photo by Bill Avery/NOAA.
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Gray's Reef Advisory Council Recruitment: Now - December 14th, 2025
We are re-advertising for applicants to serve on our volunteer advisory council. The council provides NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries with advice and recommendations on the management of the sanctuary.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 14, 2025. If you or anyone you know is interested in applying, please visit the Gray’s Reef Sanctuary Advisory Council recruitment webpage for more information.
Gray's Reef Ocean Discovery Center is Now Open!
The Gray’s Reef Ocean Discovery Center has reopened its doors to serve as a vital gateway, connecting the public with important environmental narratives. The Discovery Center provides guests with a deeper understanding of the sanctuary, fostering stewardship for current and future generations. For information about our hours, location, and events, check out our Ocean Discovery webpage.
Volunteer Recruitment Event: December 11th, 2025
Interested in volunteering with Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary? Join us at the Gray's Reef Ocean Discovery Center on December 11th from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. to learn about our volunteer opportunities. Please email graysreef@noaa.gov if you plan to attend.
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