New Sanctuary Research Area to Help Improve Understanding of Important Habitats

Minimal economic effects seen from closing lightly used area to fishing, diving

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–October 13, 2011

The southern third of NOAA’s 22-square mile Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuaryoff the Georgia coast was designated a research area, where scientists can study how human activities and natural processes affect the sanctuary’s marine resources. The new designation will take effect after a 45-day Congressional…