Remembering Greg McFall

Greg McFall in diver gear on deck

In early 2020, the National Marine Sanctuary System lost one of the treasured members of our family, Greg McFall. The director of the NOAA Diving Program, Greg had also served as research coordinator and superintendent of Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary and supported many other national marine sanctuaries. His passing is a huge loss to us and to the larger sanctuaries community. An accomplished diver and gifted photographer, Greg provided an unparalleled view of the underwater world from the Florida Keys to American Samoa. Here on these pages and throughout this year's Earth Is Blue Magazine, we celebrate Greg's legacy and his appreciation for the magnificence of the ocean.

close up view of a sea urchin

Sea urchin, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Photo: Greg McFall/NOAA

an orange sponge on the reef

Sponge, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: Greg McFall/NOAA

school of rockfish swimming among coral

Rockfish, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: Greg McFall/NOAA

jelly swimming

Jelly, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Photo: Greg McFall/NOAA

many octopus resting among a rocky bottom

Feather duster worm, Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: Greg McFall/NOAA

a seacucumber on the reef

Sea cucumber, National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa. Photo: Greg McFall/NOAA