On October 1st, the public proposal period closed for recommending potential sites for marine reserves and marine protected areas (MPAs) in Oregons Territorial Sea. The process has been supported by nearshore action teams, comprised of coastal residents, ocean users, and other interested parties. Surfrider members and volunteers participated in the develpment of five of these proposals, including nominations off Cannon Beach, Lincoln City, Florence, Port Orford, and Pistol River. Proposed sites will be subject to several phases of evaluation based on ecological and socioeconomic criteria. All proposals received by ODFW be posted online this week click here . Marine reserves are places in the ocean that are protected from human extraction or disturbance and science shows that reserves typically result in greater abundance, size, and diversity of marine organisms inside their boundaries. Please join a coalition of ocean users that is participating and supporting this process.