IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT EFFECTIVE 12/4/2011
Under a new regulation that went into effect December 4th, 2011, the southern third of NOAA’s 22-square-mile Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary is now a research area where scientists will be able to study the impact of human activities on the sanctuary’s marine resources. Fishing and diving are prohibited in the research area off the Georgia coast, but vessels are allowed to travel across the area as long as they don’t stop. Roughly eight-square-miles and relatively free of human activity, the research area will allow scientists to design and implement habitat studies where critical variables can be controlled over long periods of time.
The research area will serve as a place to study potential impacts from various activities on the sanctuary’s natural resources, including bottom fishing, as well as a place to monitor and study impacts of climate change, and natural events such as hurricanes and droughts.
“The new research area provides a great opportunity to advance our understanding of the ocean and help ensure that special places like Gray’s Reef remain healthy for generations to come,” said George Sedberry, superintendent, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary.
NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries received comments during a public comment period on the proposed research area from September to December 2010. The boundary option chosen for the research area was favored by most sanctuary users and is expected to displace a minimal number of sanctuary visitors.
Complete details of the new regulation can be found at:
http://graysreef.noaa.gov/management/research/pdfs/grnmsresearchareafeis.pdf
The research area will serve as a place to study potential impacts from various activities on the sanctuary’s natural resources, including bottom fishing, as well as a place to monitor and study impacts of climate change, and natural events such as hurricanes and droughts.
“The new research area provides a great opportunity to advance our understanding of the ocean and help ensure that special places like Gray’s Reef remain healthy for generations to come,” said George Sedberry, superintendent, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary.
NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries received comments during a public comment period on the proposed research area from September to December 2010. The boundary option chosen for the research area was favored by most sanctuary users and is expected to displace a minimal number of sanctuary visitors.
Complete details of the new regulation can be found at:
http://graysreef.noaa.gov/management/research/pdfs/grnmsresearchareafeis.pdf
Contact Us
Nestled in the heart of the lowcountry, Savannah, GA is a picturesque city with overwhelming southern charm. Tourists are drawn here from all over the world by its 22 park-like squares, excellent dining and slow, relaxed pace. Popular attractions are River Street, with its variety of restaurants and pubs; Hutchinson Island, where the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center and the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort are located; Tybee Island, Savannah's closest beach, located about 18 miles east on Hwy 80; Savannah College of Art and Design, and the location of many films such as "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil", "Forrest Gump", "The Legend of Bagger Vance", "The Last Song" and many others. Savannah also has many industries that bring in full-time residents from around the world such as; Ft. Stewart, home of the 3rd Infantry Division of the US Army; Gulfstream Aerospace, manufacturer of premier business jets; JCB, manufacturer of high end heavy construction equipment and the Port of Savannah, the 4th busiest container terminal in the US. Savannah is an easy day trip from places like Charleston, SC and Jacksonville, FL as well as the premier golf destination of Hilton Head Island, SC.
One thing a little less known about Savannah is the diving opportunities that exist here. There is a lot of false information floating around saying that there is no decent diving around Savannah. That is a common misconception that can't be further from the truth. What makes diving here truly unique, is the wide variety of wildlife that you can encounter. There are tropical reef fish that come up from the south in the summer that mingle side-by-side with fish more common to the northern waters. There are substantial areas of natural live bottom reefs that are just as alive and beautiful as anything you could find elsewhere. With the limited amount of diving that takes place, there is a much better opportunity to see large fish, since they are not chased away by hundreds of divers.
Other places of interest for fans of the ocean:
Tybee Island Marine Science Center - Located next to the pier on Tybee Island, GA about 19 miles from downtown Savannah.
University of Georgia Marine Education Center & Aquarium - Located on Skidaway Island, GA about 22 miles from downtown Savannah.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center - Located on Jekyll Island, GA about 93 miles from downtown Savannah.
South Carolina Aquarium - Located in Charleston, SC about 107 miles from downtown Savannah.
Georgia Aquarium - Located in Atlanta, GA about 151 miles from downtown Savannah.
One thing a little less known about Savannah is the diving opportunities that exist here. There is a lot of false information floating around saying that there is no decent diving around Savannah. That is a common misconception that can't be further from the truth. What makes diving here truly unique, is the wide variety of wildlife that you can encounter. There are tropical reef fish that come up from the south in the summer that mingle side-by-side with fish more common to the northern waters. There are substantial areas of natural live bottom reefs that are just as alive and beautiful as anything you could find elsewhere. With the limited amount of diving that takes place, there is a much better opportunity to see large fish, since they are not chased away by hundreds of divers.
Other places of interest for fans of the ocean:
Tybee Island Marine Science Center - Located next to the pier on Tybee Island, GA about 19 miles from downtown Savannah.
University of Georgia Marine Education Center & Aquarium - Located on Skidaway Island, GA about 22 miles from downtown Savannah.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center - Located on Jekyll Island, GA about 93 miles from downtown Savannah.
South Carolina Aquarium - Located in Charleston, SC about 107 miles from downtown Savannah.
Georgia Aquarium - Located in Atlanta, GA about 151 miles from downtown Savannah.
Interested in meeting other divers?
| Current Conditions at Gray's Reef NMS
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Typical Conditions
Visibility:
10' - 60'+
The visibility is often in direct relation to the amount of recent rainfall as well as the proximity to the shoreline. The Georgia coast and much of the southern half of the South Carolina coast is composed of highly fertile tidal salt marshes. These marshes produce a large amount of organic sediment. The closer you are to shore the lower the visibility tends to be, especially if there has recently been a large amount of rain. Tropical storms that create extremely heavy seas can also affect the visibility.
Water Temp:
50°F in the winter to 83°F in the summer
Current:
None to Extreme
The current is highly dependent on what part of the tide cycle you are diving in. Savannah is known for it's high tide swings, sometimes as much as 8-9 feet or more. To avoid heavy currents, plan your trip outside of the new moon and full moon, and try to dive at or near high and low slack tide. Also, the closer to shore you are, the shallower the water is, and the current can be stronger than deeper water.
Seas:
Average 2' - 3'
The seas are widely variable in this area due to wide expanse of shallow water. Generally you see 2' - 3' seas, but occasionally you are greeted with 1' or less. However, there are times that the seas will be substantially heavier, sometimes with no apparent reason. The NOAA forecast is mediocre at best in this area. Seas tend to be higher at the mouths of the sounds.
Depth:
Nearshore Artificial Reefs - 35' - 45' (7-10 miles offshore)
Gray's Reef NMS and other Artificial Reefs - 60' - 75' (18-25 miles offshore)
Snapper Banks and Navy Towers - 85' - 120' (30-40 miles offshore)
Hazards:
Monofilament - Mostly on the large artificial reefs, but occasionally on live bottom reefs. There are no organized "reef cleanups", so monofilament fishing line tends to gather on the wrecks. Often this line comes complete with hooks, so be careful when diving around wrecks, and always carry a dive knife and/or EMT shears with you.
Jellyfish - During certain times of the year, mostly late summer, the populations of Sea Nettle Jellyfish can become quite dense. While they do sting, with proper precautions, you can limit your exposure to them. For most people, Sea Nettles cause a moderate burning sensation, followed by about 15 minutes of tingling/itching. After about 30 minutes, most reactions subside, but small red bumps or lines may show for several days following. The best way to protect yourself is to wear a full wetsuit or dive skin with gloves and a hood. Often times the Jellyfish hang out between 10' - 30' deep, so if possible, a drifting ascent and safety stop under a "safety sausage" could limit the amount of collisions.
Wreck Penetration - Unless you are certified, equipped and experienced, do not attempt to go inside any of the wrecks. They were sunk primarily as fish havens, not for divers. As such, they have not been thoroughly diver-proofed as many other wrecks that have been purposefully sunk as dive attractions.
10' - 60'+
The visibility is often in direct relation to the amount of recent rainfall as well as the proximity to the shoreline. The Georgia coast and much of the southern half of the South Carolina coast is composed of highly fertile tidal salt marshes. These marshes produce a large amount of organic sediment. The closer you are to shore the lower the visibility tends to be, especially if there has recently been a large amount of rain. Tropical storms that create extremely heavy seas can also affect the visibility.
Water Temp:
50°F in the winter to 83°F in the summer
Current:
None to Extreme
The current is highly dependent on what part of the tide cycle you are diving in. Savannah is known for it's high tide swings, sometimes as much as 8-9 feet or more. To avoid heavy currents, plan your trip outside of the new moon and full moon, and try to dive at or near high and low slack tide. Also, the closer to shore you are, the shallower the water is, and the current can be stronger than deeper water.
Seas:
Average 2' - 3'
The seas are widely variable in this area due to wide expanse of shallow water. Generally you see 2' - 3' seas, but occasionally you are greeted with 1' or less. However, there are times that the seas will be substantially heavier, sometimes with no apparent reason. The NOAA forecast is mediocre at best in this area. Seas tend to be higher at the mouths of the sounds.
Depth:
Nearshore Artificial Reefs - 35' - 45' (7-10 miles offshore)
Gray's Reef NMS and other Artificial Reefs - 60' - 75' (18-25 miles offshore)
Snapper Banks and Navy Towers - 85' - 120' (30-40 miles offshore)
Hazards:
Monofilament - Mostly on the large artificial reefs, but occasionally on live bottom reefs. There are no organized "reef cleanups", so monofilament fishing line tends to gather on the wrecks. Often this line comes complete with hooks, so be careful when diving around wrecks, and always carry a dive knife and/or EMT shears with you.
Jellyfish - During certain times of the year, mostly late summer, the populations of Sea Nettle Jellyfish can become quite dense. While they do sting, with proper precautions, you can limit your exposure to them. For most people, Sea Nettles cause a moderate burning sensation, followed by about 15 minutes of tingling/itching. After about 30 minutes, most reactions subside, but small red bumps or lines may show for several days following. The best way to protect yourself is to wear a full wetsuit or dive skin with gloves and a hood. Often times the Jellyfish hang out between 10' - 30' deep, so if possible, a drifting ascent and safety stop under a "safety sausage" could limit the amount of collisions.
Wreck Penetration - Unless you are certified, equipped and experienced, do not attempt to go inside any of the wrecks. They were sunk primarily as fish havens, not for divers. As such, they have not been thoroughly diver-proofed as many other wrecks that have been purposefully sunk as dive attractions.
Gray's Reef NMS
Photo Credit: Greg McFall - NOAA
Gray's Reef is one of Georgia's top underwater attractions. As a marine sanctuary, however, there are additional restrictions that must be followed while inside the sanctuary. As divers, it i important to understand that these rules have been put in place to protect this fragile marine ecosystem, and care must be taken when visiting. There is absolutely no disturbing or harvesting of marine invertebrates, this means coral, seaweeds, snails, starfish and yes, even lobsters and jellyfish are included. Spearfishing is prohibited within the sanctuary, all spearfishing gear must be stowed and inaccessible if you are transiting the boundaries of the sanctuary without stopping. If you are planning on diving inside the sanctuary, leave the spearfishing gear at home. Anchoring is also prohibited. That means you will have to do a "drift dive" with the boat following, i.e. "live boating". Use of a dive marker buoy attached to a weight is not permitted either, but this may be under review soon. In the mean time, you will just have to either tow a marker buoy behind you, or trust your boat driver to follow your bubbles. Please visit the Gray's Reef NMS Regulations Page for a complete rundown, as not everything is included here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
There are no upcoming events at this time.
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