Oregon's Governor and Legislature has appointed a new ocean and coastal recreation representative, Amelia O'Connor, to the state's Ocean Policy Advisory Council. Following over a year of process culminating in a special Senate Interim Committee on Rules and Executive Appointments last month in Salem, Amelia takes her seat immediately, attending her first Ocean Policy Advisory Council Meeting on December 4th. The Oregon Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) is mandated by the Oregon legislature and provides, among other statutory charges, advice to the Governor, state agencies and local governments on ocean policy and resource management matters. The OPAC has diverse membership made up of representatives from coastal community interests, state agencies, conservation interests, and the general public. Amelia's official seat, "Coastal Non-Fishing Recreation", is a critical role in representing the myriad of non-fishing (other seats represent various fishing interests) or non-consumptive forms of ocean and coastal recreation.
Pictured above: Amelia paddling out in a surf competition and; further above in the hero image, free diving on vacation.
As a coastal resident and avid ocean recreational user I directly see the importance of ensuring our ocean policy reflects its stakeholders so my daughter, who is a six generation Oregon coast recreational user, and future generations can experience our unique coastline as I have had the privilege to.
- Amelia O'Connor
Surfrider Foundation has always been highly engaged in issues of the Oregon Ocean Policy Advisory Council and in fact, yours truly served for over 8 years in this role previous to Amelia. Ocean recreation didn't always have a seat at the table in Oregon's ocean policy space, however the rise of ocean recreation in our state, and interest of recreational users in ocean environmental issues, has come a long way in ocean policy. We're over the moon about Amelia's new appointment and excited for all she'll bring in representing recreational ocean users at the Council.
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Photos above and below: She surfs too! Amelia's wicked backhand slap is a thing of beauty, here she rips at Notgonnasay, OR)
Here's a little more about Amelia from a recent Q n A:
Where do you live and why do you choose to live there?
I live on the central coast with my family, we love the Oregon coast and my husband’s family has been here for many generations.
How long have you lived on the coast (and in Oregon)?
I have lived in Oregon for 15 years, 9 on the Oregon coast.
Describe your personal background with the ocean. Favorite activities?
Both my parents studied marine biology and I was exposed to the ocean at an early age through free diving and bodysurfing. I got hooked on surfing when I moved to Oregon. (Don't let her humble attitude fool ya, she's a ripping surfer!)
Describe your volunteer, professional or academic background with the ocean and/or recreation.
I have a master’s in Marine Resource Management from Oregon State University. Since moving to the coast I have experience working with nonprofits, state and federal agencies doing coastal biology and leading community science programs. I also enjoy participating in local surf events.
Besides being asked, why did you decide to serve on OPAC?
As a coastal resident and avid ocean recreational user I directly see the importance of ensuring our ocean policy reflects its stakeholders so my daughter, who is a six generation Oregon coast recreational user, and future generations can experience our unique coastline as I have had the privilege to.
What do you see as the some of the most pressing issues in the coming 4 years for ocean recreational users?
As the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is now working to identify offshore wind energy areas for future leasing, we definitely see an already busy ocean getting busier from new anthropogenic spatial uses. Planning for and assessing new potential ocean developments like this requires comprehensive analysis to balance with and mitigate impacts to all existing ocean users.
What's your favorite thing to eat?
Fresh fish tacos.
To reach out to Amelia on ocean issues and/or learn more about the Ocean Policy Advisory Council, visit https://www.oregon.gov/lcd/ocmp/pages/opac.aspx