Surfrider Foundation chapters in Oregon are participating in the state’s marine reserve & marine protected area (MPA) process. The planning effort is being guided by nearshore action teams, comprised of coastal residents, ocean users, and other interested parties. On October 1st, the proposal period closed for recommending potential sites for designation in Oregon’s Territorial Sea.

Surfrider members participated in the development of five marine reserve proposals, including nominations off Florence, Lincoln City, Cannon Beach, Port Orford, and Pistol River. The proposed areas incorporate multiple habitat types (e.g., rocky reef, kelp canopy) and are intended to minimize impacts to ocean users. All proposals received by the state are now subject to several phases of evaluation based on ecological and socioeconomic criteria.

Marine protected areas (MPAs), including fully protected marine reserves, are part of an ecosystem-based approach to management, and have been used around the world to help protect and restore ocean ecosystems. MPAs function as a safe haven for marine life and provide places where the ocean can rebuild. Scientific research shows that MPAs typically boost the abundance, diversity, and size of marine species living within their borders.

To read Surfrider Foundation’s Policy Statement on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) please click here. To find out more about Oregon’s planning process, please click here. click here. Please join a coalition of ocean users participating and supporting these processes.