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Proposed Sites for Marine Reserves

Ecologically important areas in Oregon (PDF)

The state process

Science background

The State Process

The Designation Process

• In 2000, Governor Kitzhaber requested that the Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) make a recommendation on Marine Reserves. OPAC conducted coastal outreach until 2002.
  
  
• In 2002, in the interest of protecting and restoring Oregon's rich ocean resources, OPAC recommended that the state create of a system of marine reserves in Oregon's Territorial Sea (0-3 nautical miles from shore).
  
  
• In 2005, Governor Kulongoski directed OPAC to resume the work started in 2000.
  
  
• Governor Kulongoski instructed OPAC in an executive order dated March 26, 2008, to recommend no more than nine sites for consideration as marine reserves that are large enough for scientific evaluation of ecological benefits but small enough to avoid significant economic or social impacts.
  
  
• October 2008: OPAC recommends two pilot marine reserves at Otter Rock and Redfish Rocks and further study of four areas for reserves at Cape Falcon, Cascade Head, Cape Perpetua and Cape Arago.
  
  
• June 2009: Oregon's Legislature approves HB 3013-A, which ratifies OPAC's recommendations.
  
  
• November 2009-January 2010: State agencies, including Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of State Lands and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, that will enforce the new Marine Reserve Law approve their governing rules for the Otter Rock and Redfish Rocks reserves.
  
  
• January 2010: Community teams for the Cape Falcon, Cascade Head and Cape Perpetua areas hold their first meetings.
  
  
• January – October 2010 Community Teams evaluate the ecologically important sites.
  
  
• October 2010 Recommendations due to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
  
  
• November 2010 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife makes recommendations to the Oregon State Legislature and the Governor's Office
  
  

Helpful links
http://www.oregonocean.info/marinereserves
http://www.lcd.state.or.us/LCD/OPAC/index.shtml

The legislative process: designation and implementation

• November 2010: The Oregon Legislature will review the community teams' recommendations.