Two free, public forums aimed at developing more effective outreach strategies for promoting Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary will be held in Savannah this month.

The Nature Conservancy will host the forums at Bass Pro Shop, 14045 Abercorn St., Savannah, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 11 and June 13.

The goal of the forums is to discuss angler and charter captain perceptions of Gray’s Reef as a fishing location, experiences using methods to reduce barotrauma of released fish, and participation in citizen science programs to collect fisheries data.

This information will be used to develop more effective outreach strategies for promoting Gray’s Reef and enhance fishing opportunities. Public input from anglers and charter captains will be vital to the process.

Participation is voluntary, and refreshments will be provided. Attendees will also receive a free descending device. These devices reduce mortality of released fish by quickly returning them to the depth at which they were caught.

Anyone wishing to attend should contact The Nature Conservancy’s Bob Crimian at 267-280-3344 or rcrimian@tnc.org.