Marine reserves are like state parks in the ocean. They are areas set aside for conservation, research and recreation. But activities like fishing and crabbing aren’t allowed.

So far we have two reserves along the coast at Otter Rock and Redfish Rocks. Now state officials are considering three more at Cape Perpetua near Florence, Cascade Head near Lincoln City and Cape Falcon near Manzanita.

Fishing groups are generally opposed because they’re worried about losing access to good fishing area. But environmentalists think protecting some of the ocean will help improve marine life all along the coast.

Regardless, nothing happens unless the legislature agrees.

For more information:

ODFW Marine Reserves

Marine reserves are sort of like state parks in the ocean. They’re designed to protect marine life and make the areas available for scientific research. While banning activities like fishing and hunting, people will still be able to enjoy other kinds of recreation that don’t involve removing marine life. Crabbers will be allowed in to remove crab pots that have drifted into the areas.

And that’s what makes them so controversial.

The reserves at Otter Rock and Redfish Rocks are small, only a couple of acres in size. But the fishing industry is concerned about losing access to areas off the coast. The state is looking at creating more marine reserves at Cape Falcon, Cascade Head, Cape Perpetua and Cape Arago. Fishermen may also lose access to parts of the ocean for wave energy projects and offshore wind farms.

Supporters say closing off Marine Reserves will help fish and wildlife in nearby areas rebound, so eventually they say, fishermen will be better off.

Cascade Head near Lincoln City. Photo by NOAA Commander Bruce Hillard.

Saying our coast ecology is under deep stress, Environment Oregon is calling for a major expansion of the state’s system of marine reserves.

Marine reserves are sort of like state parks in the ocean.  They’re areas where most major commercial activity, such as fishing and energy development are banned. But recreation activities, such as diving, boating and surfing, are allowed. So far, Oregon has set aside two areas off the coast as marine reserves and four other locations are being studied.

But Environment Oregon argues that much more needs to be done. It says establishing a larger system of marine reserves will help coastal areas recover faster from overfishing, climate change, and the impact of those summer “dead zones”.  The group says that in other parts of the world, marine reserves have a proven record of increasing the population of marine plants, fish and animals.

Here’s a look at what Environment Oregon wants to see happen.

It says the legislature should move forward to establish marine reserves at the four areas still being studied.  This includes Cape Falcon south of Cannon Beach, Cascade Head near Lincoln City, Cape Perpetua south of Yachats, and Cape Arago – Seven Devils near Coos Bay.

Then it suggests three other areas as future marine reserves.  On that list is Three Arch Rocks, home to a colony of tufted puffins.  Next is Orford Reef, where a large kelp forests provides habitat for the red sea urchin.  Finally, it wants to include Mack Reef, home to a wide variety of marine species including almost a dozen types of seabirds.

Marine reserves have been a tough sell on the coast.  Commercial fishermen are worried about being locked out of prime fishing grounds as more ocean territory is set aside for reserves, and offshore energy projects such as wave and tidal energy and offshore wind farms.

For more information see Environment Oregon’s report, Oregon’s Marine Treasures: The Case For Conservation.

Here’s a look at each of them:

Flame Retardant Ban

The House voted 39-19 to approve a bill that phases out Deca-PBDE, a flame retardant used in a variety of consumer products such as carpeting, furniture, mattresses, computers, and televisions. The ban takes effect January 1, 2011.  It’s similar to a ban passed by the Washington legislature earlier this year.

PBDEs have been in the news a lot, with growing evidence about the damage they do to the environment.  In January, the Environmental Protection Agency released a report that PBDE levels are increasing in the Columbia River Basin, especially in bass, trout and walleye.  In April, a report from NOAA says they’re increasing in coastal areas too, including six test locations along the Oregon Coast.

How do PBDEs harm wildlife? They accumulate over time in fish, birds and bird eggs.  A 2008 study found high levels of PBDEs in Peregrine Falcons.  PBDEs cause neurological and behavioral problems that can interfere with a bird’s ability to reproduce. In high doses, they can even lead to cancer in animals. The EPA says there’s no direct evidence, so far, that people can be affected in the same way.

Senate Bill 596-A now goes to Governor Kulongoski for his signature.

Marine Reserves

One of Governor K’s long sought environmental goals will become law thanks to today’s vote in the Senate.  On a 24-3 vote, Senators approved House Bill 3013A that establishes two marine reserves on the coast, one near Depoe Bay and the other near Port Orford.  It also creates four study areas where reserves could be established in the future.  Marine reserves are areas in the ocean where aquatic life is protected and where scientists can conduct research.  Commercial harvesting, such as fishing, would be banned in these areas.

Kulongoski originally wanted a much larger system.  But opposition led by commercial fishermen convinced the Ocean Policy Advisory Committee to propose this system of two reserves and four study areas.

The House has already approved the bill.

Greener Building Codes

New buildings in Oregon will have to be more energy efficient if Senate Bill 79A become law.  The bill tells the Department of Consumer and Business Services to write up new building codes that will increase energy efficiency by 10% – 15% for residences and 15% – 25% for other buildings.  The Oregon League of Conservation Voters says the new standards will have people and companies millions of dollars by spending less on energy to cool and heat buildings.

The bill now goes to the House.

Thanks to the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, Oceana, and the Senate Democratic Caucus for updates on these bills.