Dear Friend,

We have an update from Salem - the Oregon Senate is reviewing the marine reserves bill, HB 3013A which describes a clear timeline and process for evaluating the OPAC marine reserve sites.  The construction of this bill is a very important milestone in carefully planning a sustainably managed ocean and affords an important opportunity for all stakeholders to create partnerships for a better Oregon.

HB 3013A  furthers the OPAC recommendation until November 2010

The Oregon House of Representatives approved HB-3013A on Thursday, outlining a detailed plan and timeline to complete evaluation of six potential marine reserve sites recommended by the Governor’s Ocean Policy Advisory Council.  In addition, the bill establishes two pilot marine reserve projects at Otter Rock near Depoe Bay and Redfish Rocks near Port Orford and prescribes a process to evaluate the potential for reserves in four other areas of the coast. The vote was 51-0. HB-3013 A passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Rules boasting bi-partisan support. The bill outlines a balanced and diverse procedure for the planning of Oregon’s new marine reserves, including the development of regional community groups that will assist with the shaping of potential marine reserve sites: Cape Falcon north of Manzanita, Cascade Head north of Lincoln City, Cape Perpetua south of Yachats and Cape Arago-Seven Devils south of Coos Bay.

The Governor and the Co-Chairs of Ways and Means Committee have included this bi-partisan bill in each of their budgets, identifying surplus settlement funds to be used from the removal of the New Carissa cargo ship wreck. Sponsors and supporters agree that funds generated from an oil spill settlement should be used for marine science and conservation.

HB 3013A is awaiting action in the Senate Rules Committee.

Please view the OPAC recommendation, accompanying map of the six sites, and updates on the state process at the state marine reserve website www.oregonmarinereseves.net.

We will keep you informed as the legislative process moves along! You can get additional information on the Oregon process at the Our Ocean website www.ouroregonocean.org

Common Ground III screenings coming to Florence

Green Fire Productions has released a new educational documentary that focuses on the state process for establishing a network of marine reserves and protected areas off the Oregon coast. The film will be screened on June 18, 2009 at 6pm in the Bromley Room of the Siuslaw Public Library, located at 1460 Ninth Street in Florence.

Sincerely,

Our Ocean