Mammal Bones And Teeth From Gray's Reef & Other Places

                                          Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles





It is possible that you will encounter a highly endangered North Atlantic Right Whale when visiting Gray's Reef; the Sanctuary is near the only known calving ground for the whales and near an area designated as critical habitat. Federal rules require that you get no closer to a north atlantic right whale than 500 yards - the length of five football fields. Further information can be found at NOAA Fisheries Service: Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan site.

Both bottlenose and spotted dolphin are seen in the Sanctuary. To report a whale sighting or to report an injured or distressed whale, dolphin or sea turtle, call the Georgia Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-272-8363.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends you stay at least 100 yards away from all animals, whether in the water or on shore. In addition, it is illegal to feed any marine mammals. It could be dangerous to you and is not healthy for the animals.

Loggerhead sea turtles are frequently seen resting and foraging at Gray's Reef; other sea turtle species sometimes pass through the sanctuary. It is illegal to harm or harass these animals. Divers need to resist the temptation of touching or prodding a resting loggerhead; never try to hitch a ride on a sea turtle. And remember, all sea turtles can mistake floating plastic for food - stash your trash!