Overflight Summary Report: Visitor Use at Gray's Reef NMS On August 1, 1983, Mr. Frank Lea, L.M Aviation, St. Simons Island, Georgia, began overflights of the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS). The overflight schedule was designed in two phases. The first phase (summer) consisted of intensive sampling during a relatively high use period, while the second phase (winter) consisted of weekend sampling. The summer sampling design consisted of an overflight performed between the hours of 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, every other day, weather permitting. Weather permitting was defined when the Jacksonville NOAA weather forecast (VHF Channel 1) for sea conditions Savannah to St. Augustine and out to 50 miles offshore predicted a sea state of 3-5 feet or less, or when other significant weather condition severely reduced the probability of offshore fishing activities (i.e., dense fog, electrical storms, etc.). Overflights not performed due to adverse weather conditions were made up by flying daily overflights until the schedule was caught up ( at which point the normal flight schedule (every other day) was resumed). A minimum of 30 overflights were to be performed between August-September 1983. An overflight reporting form was provided by DNR-CRD and any observations of suspected illegal activity were to be reported to DNR-CRD immediately upon landing. The winter sampling design consisted of an overflight performed between the hours of 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, once every weekend (Saturday, Sunday or Monday, if a legal holiday), weather permitting. Weather permitting was defined above. Overflights not performed due to adverse weather conditions were not made up. A minimum of 24 overflights were to be conducted between October 1983 and June 1984. A total of 35 vessels were observed in 32 overflights for a mean of 1.05 vessels per overflight during the summer sampling phase. Eleven of these overflights, 34.38%, were performed on a weekend or holiday and observed 62.86% of the vessels sighted during the entire summer sampling phase. Two of those weekend overflights occurred in conjunction with offshore fishing tournaments ( the Landings Harbor Spanish Mackerel Tournament). When considering just the weekend vessel sightings during the summer sampling phase (22 vessels), 54.55% of the vessels sighted at GRNMS occurred in conjunction with an offshore fishing tournament. A total of 71 vessels for a mean of 2.37 vessels per overflight were observed during the winter sampling phase. Only one offshore fishing tournament coincided with the winter sampling phase. The Third Annual Sapelo Open Kingfish Tournament held May 26, 1983, accounted for 14 vessels or 19.72% of the vessels observed utilizing GRNMS during the winter phase. During the summer phase 62.86% of the vessels observed were of Class I category, 25.71% were Class II category, 2.86% were of Class A and commercial trawler category, and 5.71% were of commercial other category. During the winter sampling phase 47.89% of the vessels observed were of Class I category , 28.17% were of Class II category, 18.31% were of Class A category, and 5.63% were commercial vessels. The R/V BAGBY was observed once, and the NOAA Ship Whiting was observed twice during the summer sampling phases. Overall, 93.40% of the vessels observed during both the summer and winter sampling phases were classified as recreational. During the summer phase 54.29% of the vessels observed were trolling, 25.71% of the vessels observed were in transit, 11.43% were anchored/fishing and 2.86% were diving. During the winter sampling phase 38.03% were trolling, 32.39% were in transit and 29.58% were anchored/fishing. The summer and winter sampling phases, although the sample size is small, indicates light user pressure. The general trend is relatively constant pressure for the summer (averaging at least one vessel per observation) and a distinct seasonal pattern during the winter. Fall and spring user pressure are similar (averaging two vessels per observation) with a sharp drop in mid-winter and an increase in user pressure in late spring and early summer. Based on the results of this survey and the results of a similar survey (Harris and Ansley, 1981), a hypothetical scenario of local offshore fishing emerges. The average offshore angler utilizes a vessel in the 16-25 foot range. The most intensive fishing pressure occurs in conjunction with offshore fishing tournaments. Weekends experience more fishing activity than weekdays. On an annual basis, fishing pressure is patterned around meteorological events and migratory patterns of the target species. Fishing pressure is probably at the lowest in mid-winter. Winter storms (northeasters) and low temperatures keep most of the anglers at the dock. By late winter or early spring, fishing pressure increases as the anglers target black seas bass. In late spring to early summer, fishing pressure peaks as anglers target the pelagic cobia, bluefish, Spanish and King mackerel. Late summer experiences a slump in fishing pressure as the summer doldrums set in and target species are widely scattered and difficult to catch. By fall, fishing pressure experiences an increase as the pelagic species start hitting again. This is sustained until the water temperature drops low enough to cause the target species to migrate out of the area. In conclusion, user pressure at GRNMS appears light. The most intensive user pressure occurs in conjunction with offshore fishing tournaments and on weekends. A model predicting annual use can be developed and would probably correlate with meteorological conditions and migratory patterns of the target species. It is doubted that user pressure, at this time, is causing deterioration of the resource. In recommending future efforts, I would suggest performing another series of overflights in 3-5 years to compare the data for significant changes. Meanwhile, monitoring by the Sanctuary Coordinator while on site should be sufficient to detect any radical changes in user pressure. top Back to the Research Page