Gray's Reef Expedition Maps Offshore Habitats Across the South Atlantic Bight

By Danielle Oxman

August 13, 2026

Scientists recently completed the 2026 Southeast Regional Ecosystem Assessment aboard NOAA Ship Nancy Foster, collecting data on offshore live-bottom habitats throughout the South Atlantic Bight.

Led by Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary, the annual expedition helps scientists better understand where marine species occur and how habitats and populations may be connected across the region.

A scientific diver swims above a rocky reef covered in soft corals, sponges and other marine life as several large fish pass nearby.
Scientific divers survey live-bottom habitat in Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of Georgia. The rocky seafloor supports a dense community of corals, sponges and other invertebrates that provides habitat for many fish species. Photo: Kristen Binz/Georgia Aquarium

Working around the clock, the team alternated between high-resolution sonar mapping at night and scientific diving surveys during the day. Researchers documented seafloor features, measured habitat complexity, and recorded the abundance of marine species.

During the expedition, the team:

  • Mapped 22.8 square miles of seafloor
  • Conducted 70 conductivity, temperature and depth casts
  • Surveyed 1,624.9 nautical miles
  • Completed 69 dives totaling 31.5 hours underwater
  • Conducted 10 camera deployments in areas that could not be safely surveyed by divers

The expedition also included a public open house in Savannah, Georgia. During the three-hour event, 230 people toured NOAA Ship Nancy Foster, and 284 people visited the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary booth.

Scientists are now processing and analyzing the data, which will support future research, resource management, and conservation efforts throughout the region. A final expedition report is expected in the coming months.

Danielle Oxman is the former outreach specialist for Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary

Rachel Plunkett is the content manager and senior writer/editor for NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries