New marine reserves that went into effect this New Year would protect two fishing sites off the coast.
New state management measures went into effect that protect two sites — Redfish Rocks, near Port Orford, and Otter Rock, off the coast of Newport — from harvest and commercial activities such as aquaculture. These are Oregon’s first marine reserves and will act as “savings accounts” for marine life in Oregon’s ocean. Most of the fishermen and experts believe that marine reserves is a good business for fishermen and smart management for all Oregonians.
Lane County commissioner says that the main focus is on making the Oregon coastal economy more powerful, especially the commercial fishing industry. Commercial and recreational fishing depend on a sustainably managed ocean. Protecting the waters around Otter Rock and Redfish Rocks is a bold step toward ensuring the creation of near-shore nurseries that nourish marine plants and animals, a principle similar to creating wildlife refuges to fortify duck populations for hunters.
It is good to see the participation of coastal communities and rural citizens in the reserve planning process and acknowledges the need to minimize economic impact through strategic ocean planning. The Oregon Legislature has an opportunity in the 2012 session to honor the community teams that volunteered more than 25,000 hours and recommended the sites of Cape Falcon, Cascade Head and Cape Perpetua.
