The marine reserve process continues to move forward with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODF&W) and Oregon Sea Grant holding a workshop in Newport last week on formation of the community teams that will further evaluate the proposed marine reserves at Cape Falcon, Cascade Head and Cape Perpetua. Our Ocean was well represented at the meeting and we really appreciate our supporters who attended.

ODF&W officials said they hope to finalize the community teams by the end of October. ODF&W Fish Division Administrator Ed Bowles said his agency was going to stay true to HB3013 and Governor Kulongoski's Executive Order on marine reserves (PDF).

Click here to read ODF&W's draft workplan for the marine reserve process (PDF). Comments may be submitted on the draft work plan by email to odfw.marinereserves@state.or.us or by mail to:

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Marine Reserves
2040 SE Marine Science Dr.
Newport, OR, 97365

Oregon now has a good law in place for marine reserves. Now we just need to ensure that the law is implemented in the same inclusive spirit. Thank you for your support and please stay tuned. Oregon's processes to create a network of marine reserves will produce the best policy if you participate!

Best Wishes,

Our Ocean