Protections proposed for Oregon’s ocean

Plan could help boost ocean health

Environment Oregon has launched a statewide effort to establish a network of protected areas off the Oregon coast. The network would include both marine reserves—protected from any damaging activities—and marine protected areas, where fishing is limited but not prohibited.

Scientists have shown that marine reserves restore habitat, boost biodiversity, and help ensure the health of Oregon’s ocean for future generations. Under both types of protection, Oregonians would still have access for recreational activities, such as diving and kayaking.

Gov. Ted Kulongoski has announced his support, and asked the Ocean Policy Advisory Council to make recommendations on where to establish marine reserves and protected areas. During the coming months, the Council will take public input and proposals for specific sites. Unfortunately, opponents of marine protections, mostly from the fishing industry, have already been vocal.

Environment Oregon will be working this summer to educate the public—both in coastal communities and around the state—and encouraging interested Oregonians to weigh in. This fall, the Council will make a recommendation to Gov. Kulongoski for final review.

Oregon’s ocean legacy

Oregonians know that Oregon’s coast is an incredible place, from the mouth of the Columbia to the California border, and everywhere in between. Underwater there is a unique abundance of marine life, ranging from extensive kelp forests to rocky reefs and miles of sea grass, inhabited by amazing varieties of fish, crab, anemones and, of course, the state’s local population of gray whales and seals.

Unfortunately, our ocean faces an array of threats—pollution, global warming, invasive species, overfishing and damaging fishing practices, such as bottom trawling, which essentially clearcuts sea-floor habitats. While Oregon has protected many places along the Coast with state parks or other protections, we have not established similar safeguards for the ocean just offshore. In fact, Oregon is the only state on the West Coast without any fully-protected marine reserves.

Marine reserves will help preserve and restore coastal ecosystems.