Friday, June 08, 2007
Wave Energy Statement - Input Needed!
Oregon Chapter is currently working to develop a Statement on Wave Energy in Oregon that can be shared with state agencies, local governments, energy companies, and other interested parties. The statement will communicate the interested role of surfers and other recreational ocean users in local planning efforts, as well as articulate principles that should be applied when evaluating potential projects. The intention is to ensure that local Surfrider members have a strong voice in guiding what happens off their coast. While we all recognize that renewable energy may have tremendous upsides, we need to make sure that projects that move forward happen in the right way, and appropriately address potential impacts to the environment, public safety, ocean recreation, aesthetics etc. The first comment to this post is a draft statement that has been developed through the input of nearly 50 of our members and activists around the state. Please take a moment to review and provide feedback. You may do so through posting additional comments to this blog or emailing pstauffer@surfrider.org direct. Mahalo!
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Statement on Wave Energy in Oregon
The Oregon Chapter of Surfrider Foundation recognizes that wave energy may offer important benefits as a renewable source of energy, as well as a cutting-edge industry for coastal communities.
Surfrider also recognizes that there are many questions and concerns about wave energy, including potential impacts to ocean recreation, nearshore ecology, public safety, aesthetics, and fishing access
Statement
Surfers and other recreational ocean users are affected by the development of wave energy in Oregon, and are a key stakeholder group in local and state planning efforts.
Surfrider believes the following principles must be applied when evaluating or planning for potential projects:
• Protect surfing and other ocean recreation opportunities by ensuring that project sites do not impact or overlap with priority recreational areas
• Consider impacts to the environment through comprehensive assessments and application of best available science
• Ensure public safety through designs standards and development of emergency response plans
• Require baseline data and frequent monitoring to quantify impacts to the environment and threats to public safety
• Evaluate the impact of EMFs (electromagnetic fields) on the behavior of fishes, sharks, and marine mammals
• Consider fishing and other existing uses of proposed project areas to assess lost opportunities and evaluate trade-offs
• Proceed incrementally and cautiously to ensure that impacts from one project are understood before proceeding with additional projects
• Initiate comprehensive planning for Oregon’s ocean to ensure an appropriate balance between emerging industrial uses and conservation
• Employ adaptive management to ensure that new information is continually applied to assess needs for modification, mitigation, and/or removal.
Surfrider Foundation is an environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches. Our membership in Oregon includes surfers, windsurfers, fishermen, kayakers and other ocean users.
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The Oregon Chapter of Surfrider Foundation recognizes that wave energy may offer important benefits as a renewable source of energy, as well as a cutting-edge industry for coastal communities.
Surfrider also recognizes that there are many questions and concerns about wave energy, including potential impacts to ocean recreation, nearshore ecology, public safety, aesthetics, and fishing access
Statement
Surfers and other recreational ocean users are affected by the development of wave energy in Oregon, and are a key stakeholder group in local and state planning efforts.
Surfrider believes the following principles must be applied when evaluating or planning for potential projects:
• Protect surfing and other ocean recreation opportunities by ensuring that project sites do not impact or overlap with priority recreational areas
• Consider impacts to the environment through comprehensive assessments and application of best available science
• Ensure public safety through designs standards and development of emergency response plans
• Require baseline data and frequent monitoring to quantify impacts to the environment and threats to public safety
• Evaluate the impact of EMFs (electromagnetic fields) on the behavior of fishes, sharks, and marine mammals
• Consider fishing and other existing uses of proposed project areas to assess lost opportunities and evaluate trade-offs
• Proceed incrementally and cautiously to ensure that impacts from one project are understood before proceeding with additional projects
• Initiate comprehensive planning for Oregon’s ocean to ensure an appropriate balance between emerging industrial uses and conservation
• Employ adaptive management to ensure that new information is continually applied to assess needs for modification, mitigation, and/or removal.
Surfrider Foundation is an environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches. Our membership in Oregon includes surfers, windsurfers, fishermen, kayakers and other ocean users.
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