On May 21 and 22, the Oregon Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) will hold meetings in Charleston on marine reserve planning and wave energy development. All meetings will be held at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology and include opportunities for public comment. OPAC is currently working to identify nine or less marine reserve 'study areas' by Jan 1, 2009. The nomination process will be supported by local nearshore action teams, comprised of coastal residents, ocean users, and other interested parties. Marine reserves are places in the ocean that are protected from human impacts, including extraction and habitat damage. Science shows that reserves almost always result in greater abundance, size, and diversity of marine organisms inside their boundaries. Reserves can also promote resiliance for ocean ecosystems to withstand cumulative impacts from human and natural stressors. Please join a coalition of ocean users that's participating and supporting this process. For more info on these upcoming meetings: http://www.lcd.state.or.us/LCD/OPAC/index.shtml. For info to get involved pstauffer@surfrider.org.
