On August 5, the City of Cannon Beach passed a resolution in support of establishing marine reserves in Oregon state waters. Cannon Beach now joins Yachats and Lincoln City as coastal cities that have formally expressed their support for Oregons marine reserve planning process. Other communities on the coast are considering similar resolutions, as well. 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. Surfrider is currently developing its proposals for marine reserve sites based on membership input and our position statement on marine protected areas (MPAs). Please join a coalition of ocean users that is participating and supporting this process. Also, on Aug 19, the Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) will meet in Garibaldi with opportunities for public comment. For more info on Oregons planning process http://www.oregonmarinereserves.net/. For info to get involved pstauffer@surfrider.org.
