NOAA’s Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary has dedicated a new research vessel that will expand the sanctuary’s resource protection, scientific research and monitoring, and education capabilities in the South Atlantic Bight.
NOAA leaders, as well as federal, state and local-elected officials, participated in the dedication and christening of the R/V Gannet (R5202) at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. The sanctuary will host an open house for the public to view the new research boat later in spring 2024.
The Gannet is a 52-foot NOAA class III boat that brings a new era of ocean research, monitoring, education, and discovery to the southeast U.S. The vessel is designed to deploy ocean monitoring instruments like underwater robots, ocean gliders, and seafloor sensors. It can also support science diving operations and the exploration of new seafloor habitats on the continental shelf. The Gannet can accommodate 15 passengers for scientific research, educator workshops or student day-trips.
The Gannet has a range of 200 nautical miles that will allow multi-day operations from North Carolina to central Florida. It will be based at the University of Georgia Skidaway Institute of Oceanography in Savannah. The R/V Gannet replaces the R/V Joe Ferguson, which was taken out of service in October 2023 after 17 years of service to the sanctuary.
“The addition of the R/V Gannet is a milestone for NOAA, our research partners and our community,” said Stan Rogers, superintendent of Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. “As the only NOAA boat of its kind in our region, the Gannet will greatly enhance research and monitoring capabilities for NOAA and our partners across the South Atlantic Bight. Our new research vessel will contribute to the local economy through operations and maintenance, greater research and monitoring activities, as well as enhancing ocean literacy and education programs across the Southeast U.S.”
Designated in 1981, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary protects one of the largest known near-shore live-bottom reefs in the southeastern United States. “Live bottom” refers to the dense carpet of living creatures on its rocky habitat of ledges and seafloor that build the reef ecosystem. Live-bottom reefs in Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary are representative of similar live-bottom reefs found across the Continental Shelf. When combined, these reefs cover an area approximately the size of Rhode Island.
Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary is one of 15 marine protected areas that make up the National Marine Sanctuary System and is governed by the National Marine Sanctuaries Act.