National Marine Sanctuary Foundation: News & Events

Bernie Marcus poses for a photo with wife Billi, NMSF Trustee Dr. Sylvia Earle and his award.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation hosted a special evening gala during the 25th anniversary year of the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary to celebrate this sanctuary milestone and to honor The Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Stewardship Award.

World renowned marine biologist and NMSF Trustee Dr. Sylvia Earle presented the award during the dinner, which included a tribute to Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary and award presentation to Mr. Marcus.

Bernie Marcus shares with everyone how he made his dream a reality – of bringing the wonders of the ocean to the State of Georgia and beyond.

Bernie Marcus was recognized for his vision and generosity to the people of Atlanta by creating the Georgia Aquarium. For much of his life, Mr. Marcus has been a dedicated advocate for protecting the marine environment. He had a dream to bring the wonders of the ocean to the people of Georgia and beyond. His generous contribution will ensure that the Atlanta community has the ability to become one of the most ocean literate communities in North America.

The Gray's Reef 25th Anniversary Awards Gala took place at the Georgia Aquarium Thursday, September 7, 2006.

Georgia Aquarium’s Oceans Ballroom created the perfect setting to celebrate Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary’s 25th Anniversary and to honor Bernie Marcus.

Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary is one of the largest near shore live-bottom reefs in the southeastern U.S. It is located 17.5 nautical miles off Sapelo Island, GA, in waters 70 feet deep. Gray's Reef consists of sandstone outcroppings and ledges up to three meters in height with sandy, flat-bottomed troughs between. The sanctuary lies in a transition area between temperate and tropical waters where reef fish populations change seasonally and threatened loggerhead sea turtles forage and rest at the reef. It is near the only known calving ground for the highly endangered North Atlantic right whales. Gray's Reef was designated as a sanctuary January 16, 1981 and was recognized as an international Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1986. Because of the diversity of marine life, Gray's Reef is one of the most popular sport fishing and diving destinations in Georgia.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is the private, non-profit partner to the federally managed National Marine Sanctuary Program. It was created to inspire all people to preserve, protect and promote our nationwide network of marine sanctuaries.

Benefit Committee Members Bill Lathrop and Lindsay Thomas congratulate Bernie Marcus on his award.

Bernie Markus and Sanctuary Foundation and Sanctuary staff

Dan Basta (Director, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries), Reed Bohne (Superintendent, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary), Angie Bohne and Joy Williams (Deputy Director, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation) welcome the evening’s honoree, Bernie Marcus and his wife Billi.

NMSF Trustee Dr. Sylvia Earle presented the Foundation’s Stewardship Award to Bernie Marcus.

Carol Fisk of Georgia Public Broadcasting served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

The six million gallon whale shark tank captivated all in attendance.

Photographs courtesy of Edward M. Pio Roda Photography

Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary
Celebrates 25th Anniversary