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Proposed Sites for Marine Reserves

Ecologically important areas in Oregon (PDF)

The state process

Science background

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A Crucial Time for the Future of Our Ocean

You only have a few more days to let Governor Kulongoski, the Governor's Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC), and the State Legislature know that more needs to be done to protect our nearshore ocean.

Last week, instead of recommending a comprehensive network of marine reserves and protected areas in Oregon's coastal waters, OPAC approved just six sites for further evaluation. This action falls far short of following the best available science and proven results of marine reserves around the country and around the world.

OPAC's recommendation ignores clear scientific findings that show that a network of protected areas and reserves is the best way to revive ocean ecosystems. Communities up and down the coastline submitted 20 proposals recognizing the nine ecologically significant areas that need protection from pollution, development, and other stresses. Creating a network including these nine areas would ensure the full benefits of protected areas and reserves such as boosting the size, diversity and abundance of marine life.

But OPAC ignored both the science and the eight years of negotiation that led to the submission of these 20 proposals. In fact, OPAC even disregarded the important role that marine protected areas can play and eliminated them completely from consideration. Because the use of protected areas is vital to tailoring protection to meet the unique needs of each ecologically significant area, they must be part of any proposal if we're going to protect our coastal legacy.

The Governor, OPAC, and legislators all need to know that you support a network based on science and community input. In addition, the OPAC recommendation lacks timeframes and benchmarks -- without your input the process could continue to drag on for years. Tell decision makers you support clear timeframes and benchmarks now.

Remember, you only have a few more days to make your voice heard. All public comments must be received by December 1st so there is no time to waste!

Once you've sent your comments, please forward this message on to all your friends, family and co-workers and ask them to join you in taking action.

Take a few minutes today to make sure that future generations will inherit a healthy and vibrant ocean.

Sincerely,
Our Ocean Coalition