The Oregon Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) will be having a meeting on Friday, January 29th starting at 9am at the Bandon Conference and Community Center, aka “The Barn” at 1200 11th street in Bandon. To view the agenda, click here. Topics of interest include: Territorial Sea Plan Amendment process, Nearshore Research Task Force, Marine Reserves, and the role of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee. The meeting is open to the public, and there will be time allotted on the agenda for public comment. Stick around after the meeting for a public reception hosted by the Port of Bandon, with fresh Oregon Dungeness Crab donated by the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission.
Surfrider continues to be involved in a settlement process with state and federal agencies, conservation groups, fishing groups, and Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) to agree on a precautionary approach to wave energy development off Reedsport. Negotiations have developed a draft settlement agreement that includes an adaptive management strategy. This strategy includes study plans that OPT will conduct to identify any adverse effects from the first and second phases of the wave energy project. The company hopes to install one buoy next summer and nine additional buoys the following year. Monitoring of ecological and socioeconomic effects will help determine potential for further build-out. Adaptive management ensures that parties reassess implementation of the project at each phase to avoid or minimize degradation to aquatic resources. Initial phases will include studies on aquatic species such as marine mammals, sharks, fish, plankton, and migratory birds. OPT will also study effects of wave energy buoys on recreation, public safety, crabbing, fishing, and cultural resources. Surfrider intends to remain engaged throughout the process to help ensure that adverse effects are addressed appropriately. For more info or to get involved contact please ggates@surfrider.org or pstauffer@surfrider.org.
January 13, 2010 has been dubbed “Wear Blue for the Oceans Day” . The purpose is to demonstrate widespread support for the Obama Administration to establish a National Ocean Policy through issuing an Executive Order. This is a great opportunity to organize an event around or spread the word through your networks.
Last June, President Obama established an Ocean Policy Task Force to develop recommendations for a National Ocean Policy and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). The Task Force process is nearing completion – see interim reports and comment opportunities on their website – and in early 2010, the Obama Administration will be considering its response to the Task Force recommendations.
This is a historic opportunity to help shape the future of ocean and coastal management. Please help spread the word!
“We have a stewardship responsibility to maintain healthy, resilient, and sustainable oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes resources for the benefit of this and future generations.”
President Barack Obama, June 12, 2009
