Shape the Future of Gray’s Reef: Join the April 3rd Advisory Council Meeting

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Opens Doors for Public Input at Spring Advisory Council Meeting

Exciting news for ocean lovers and conservation advocates: Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS) is inviting the public to join its upcoming spring Advisory Council meeting on April 3, 2025. Whether you attend in person at the Darien-McIntosh County Visitor Center in Darien, Georgia, or join remotely via GoToWebinar, this is a chance to engage with key decisions shaping the sanctuary’s future.

What’s on the Agenda? The meeting runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:35 p.m. (ET), packed with important topics and updates:

Letter of Support: The council will discuss and potentially vote on a letter backing Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary’s initiatives.
Community Focus: A special presentation on the Darien-McIntosh County Visitor Center and its GRNMS exhibit, highlighting efforts to position Darien as an official Gateway Community for the sanctuary.
Environmental Advocacy: Briefings from council officers on their recent talks with the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Sanctuary Updates: The sanctuary superintendent will provide insights into ongoing programs and future plans.
Foundation Report: Hear from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s GRNMS Chapter on their latest projects supporting the sanctuary.

Your Voice Matters A dedicated public comment period starts at 3:00 p.m. Those wishing to speak are encouraged to join by 1:30 p.m. to ensure they don’t miss their opportunity. The council values public input and may allow comments before any major decisions are finalized.

Be Heard, Be Counted All comments will be included in the official meeting record. If you prefer not to be recorded, contact Elliott.Lam@noaa.gov ahead of time.

How to Join Get involved by registering for the webinar at: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1543610315524828252. After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details on how to join.

Stay updated with the final agenda and remote participation instructions here: https://graysreef.noaa.gov/management/advisory-council/news.html.

Why This Meeting Matters Gray’s Reef is one of the largest protected live-bottom reefs in the southeastern U.S., home to a stunning array of marine life. This meeting offers a unique opportunity to support the sanctuary’s mission, protect marine ecosystems, and shape the future of ocean conservation.