Our Ocean, a statewide coalition of Oregon conservationists, scientists, ocean users, local and business leaders, applauded Governor John Kitzhaber for signing landmark conservation legislation that designates three marine reserves and protected areas off Cape Falcon, Cascade Head, and Cape Perpetua, creating Oregon’s first system of marine reserves.
Combined with new sites that were implemented in January 2012 at Redfish Rocks near Port Orford and Otter Rock by Depoe Bay, the law creates an initial network of marine reserves and protected areas off the Oregon coast. The reserves will serve as “ecological savings accounts” and provide places for plants and animals to reproduce and thrive.
“The sum total of all no-take areas in Oregon’s ocean will represent just roughly 3 percent of our state’s 362-mile coastline now,” said Paul Engelmeyer fo the Audubon Society of Portland. “Yet combined with neighboring habitats, these designations have the potential to bolster marine health and, by extension, our ability to harvest offshore resources more sustainably. We believe this legislation has potential to create a coastal legacy that our children will enjoy for many generations.”
Marine reserves around the world have demonstrated the value that protecting these habitats can have for creating strong local economies and coastal ecosystems.