SAB Management
  • Marine Protected Areas
  • Artificial Reef Programs
  • South Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Marine Protected Areas

Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary: Gray’s Reef is one of the largest near-shore live bottom reefs of the Southeastern U.S. covering 58 square miles just off the shore of Sapelo Island, Georgia.

Monitor National Marine Sanctuary: This sanctuary was the First National Marine Sanctuary, established in 1975 to include the wreck site of the famous civil war ship the USS Monitor. Since it’s establishment, Monitor has been the sight of ongoing underwater archaeology research

Artificial reef programs: Some areas within the South Atlantic bight are host to artificial reefs programs, using man-made materials such concrete barriers or old boats, as a habitat for coral reefs. Gray’s Reef in comprised of both artificial and natural reefs and research is currently being conducted to evaluate species preference towards man-made vs. natural materials.

Artificial Reef State-based Programs

            • SC Department of Natural Resources
                 – Map of artificial reefs in SC and NC
            • NC Department of Marine Fisheries
            • GA Department of Natural Resources

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council works to conserve and manage America’s Fisheries from three to 200 miles of the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and East Florida.

Estuarine Reserves

• Sapelo Island NERRS: This reserve is located on the western part of Sapelo Island, GA. It is dedicated to research, education, stewardship, and sound management of coastal resources in the state of Georgia.
• ACE Basin NERRS: The ACE basin is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the east coast existing to protect the natural beauty, abundant wildlife and unique cultural heritage of coastal South Carolina.

• Download this powerpoint to learn more about the ACE Basin’s unique characteristics and resources. This presentation was given by Elizabeth Wenner from SCDNR at the SC Marine Educators Association Mini-conference in March 2006.

• North Inlet-Winyah Bay NERRS: This reserve is headquartered at the Baruch Marine Field Laboratory in Georgetown, SC and is a contributor of the Coastal Training Program initiative.
• NC NERRS: The North Carolina Coastal Reserve is comprised of ten sites, four of which are Classified as National Estuarine Research Reserve sites. Each site provides unique opportunities for education, research and coastal management.

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