Sunday, August 24, 2008
Offshore Oil Drilling?
In 1981, Congress protected America's coasts and marine ecosystems from the threats of oil and gas development through adopting the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Moratorium. The moratorium prevents the leasing of coastal waters for the purpose of fossil fuel development. However, with rising consumer prices for fuel, there have been ongoing calls this summer for Congress to lift the long-standing ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling. In response, the Surfrider Foundation has released a statement on its position against offshore oil drilling. 'Surfrider Foundation is opposed to any attempt to lift the federal moratorium on offshore oil drilling,' said Environmental Director Chad Nelsen. 'Our nations oceans, waves and beaches are vital recreational, economic and ecological treasures that will be polluted by an increase in offshore oil drilling. Instead of advocating for transient and environmentally harmful ways to meet Americas oil needs, we should seek a comprehensive and environmentally sustainable energy plan that includes energy conservation.' For more info, including a discussion of myths vs. facts, please click here OffshoreDrillingMyths.doc
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Jack Johnson - August 20
The Surfrider Foundation was one of a select group of non-profit organizations that was handpicked by Jack Johnson to participate in his current tour and help launch his All At Once campaign. The campaign seeks to redefine the typical concert experience by allowing fans to meet face-to-face with local and national non-profits and learn about environmental actions they can take. 'I cant think of a better reason to put on a concert than to bring people together to create positive change,' said Johnson. The Portland Chapter of Surfrider will be tabling at Jacks upcoming show at Columbia Meadows on Aug 20. Also dont forget about our opportunity to win free tickets to the show by signing up for a membership through this link by Aug 17. You'll be entered into a drawing for 2 pairs tickets. For more information on the Surfrider Foundations partnership with Jack Johnson, including tour dates and locations, go to http://www.allatonce.org/. Tuesday, August 12, 2008
SHOW US THE SCIENCE
1986 was a great year. Huey Lewis was at the top of the music charts. The U.S. and the Soviet Union were working to end the Cold War. And, 1986 was the last time that a comparitive toxicology and sediment study was completed for the ocean outfall of the Georgia-Pacific pulp mill outfall off Newport (see plume photo). For years, Newport Chapter and other citizens have been asking the Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to strenghen the scientific monitoring requirements of the pulp mills discharge. Such monitoring is needed to understand the effect of releasing 11 million gallons a day of treated wastewater in the vicinity of important nearshore habiats and popular surfing spots and fishing grounds. The wastewater discharge of the mill contains a broad spectrum of pollutants including bioaccumulative toxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and resins from the pulping process. Between 2001-2006 alone 19,000 lbs of lead was discharged off Nye Beach through the mill's effluent line according to EPA's toxins release inventory. To read our report which explains why the current scientific monitoring & assessment of the wastewater permit is inadequate to meet standards of the Clean Water Act, please click on the links below. Remember knowledge is power.ScienceRecommendations
FactSheet
Friday, August 08, 2008
Resolutions of Support
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.Monday, August 04, 2008
BLUE WATER TASK FORCE
Did you know that Surfrider volunteers monitor water quality at over twenty locations on the Oregon coast? Oregon Chapter maintains four water quality labs (Astoria, Newport, Charleston, and Port Orford) in partnership with high schools and aquariums, and lab analysis is conducted by students as part of an educational program. Sample results are then disseminated to surf shops, state agencies, and the Surfrider website (see link above) When advisory levels of bacteria are documented, the data is also forwarded to local government officials. In several places on the coast, the Blue Water Task Force has led to collaborative partnerships with city governments, watershed councils, agency staff, and fishermen to protect and/or improve local water quality. We are always looking for volunteers to help collect samples and participate in related advocacy and education. To find out how to get involved in your community, please contact Charlie cplybon@surfrider.org.Saturday, August 02, 2008
Common Ground II: Oregon's Ocean Legacy
This month, Green Fire Productions is hosting five special screenings throughout the state of the acclaimed documentary, Common Ground II: Oregons Ocean Legacy. Take a deep dive into Oregons rich coastal waters, and learn about why people in Oregon want to establish a network of marine reserves off our coast. Enjoy some spectacular underwater footage and hear from marine scientists, elected officials, and fishermen about what is being done to protect Oregons ocean. Common Ground II, the follow-up program to Common Ground: Oregons Ocean, will be followed by a Q & A discussion to bring you the most up-to-date information about the marine reserve planning process now underway and let you know how you can get involved. It is intended to serve as a catalyst for productive conversation as Oregon plans to create a system of marine protected areas and reserves in its state waters. To see a full list of film screenings, please visit our event calendar http://www.surfrider.org/oregon/events.html or see first comment to this post.Tuesday, July 29, 2008
West Coast Governors' Agreement
On July 29, 2008, the Governors of Oregon, Washington, and California released the finalized Action Plan for the West Coast Governors Agreement on Ocean Health. The plan identifies specific collaborative actions between the three states to better manage the ocean and coastal resources along the entire west coast. The Action Plan addresses the following priority areas: a) clean waters and beaches; b) healthy ocean & coastal habitats; c) ecosystem-based management; d) offshore development; e) ocean literacy; f) ocean science; and g) sustainable economic development. The report is available online at http://westcoastoceans.gov/. This historic agreement provides an important opportunity for Surfrider Foundation chapters to advance our mission through leveraging our grassroots campaigns and projects with a major regional initiative. Stay tuned for more information as implementation efforts move forward!Monday, July 28, 2008
Finavera Buoy Recovery
It sank to the bottom in 150 feet of water just one day before its planned retrieval. After nine months of waiting, divers and salvage vessels are currently on site to assist in the rebirth of a 75-foot, 40-ton wave energy buoy. The buoy, now in separate pieces, is being towed up the Yaquna River to a salvage yard. The first piece (the 10-foot surface ring) came in at 2:00 am Thursday morning. The Newport Chapter of Surfrider Foundation submitted comments and requested disclosure earlier this year to the Department of State Lands and Finaveras plans for removing the buoy prior to the expiration of the temporary use permit. 'We were concerned that the state was going to be left holding the bag on this, and we didnt want it to set precendent for future salvage efforts that will surely come as we explore new alternative energy projects in Oregon,' said Newport Chapter's Joe Haxel. 'Its great to see Finavera following through on the salvage.' The Surfrider Foundation is excited about the prospects for new alternative energy projects but recognizes the need to move forward with cautious yet optimistic planning. Finavera said they would use the data gleaned from the buoy before its demise to 'move forward with technological development'. We hope the local/state agencies and various stakeholders can embrace this as a learning experience to better prepare Oregon for the development of this new technology.Friday, July 25, 2008
GP License Agreement Hearings Continue
The 3rd hearing for the City of Newport's license agreement for rights of way of the effluent line for the Georgia Pacific Toledo Pulp Mill was packed again and the testimony from both sides of the issue continued on. The city council announced that Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will be coming to the August 4th meeting to answer questions from the council in light of all the technical and environmental concerns raised by citizens. Many, restless from DEQ's long-awaited reconsideration of the NPDES permit, spoke in favor of forming a technical and scientific task force to investigate monitoring and wastestream treatment options. Recent local press on the issue:Monday, July 21, 2008
Alternative Ocean Energy Policy
While meeting in Newport, Ore. on June 28th, the Surfrider Foundation Board of Directors passed an Alternative Ocean Energy Policy that defines our approach toward renewable energy projects along the worlds coasts and oceans. The policy highlights the importance of seeking energy sources that can reduce our dependency of fossil fuels, while also adequately addressing environmental, public safety, and recreational issues. This adopted global policy was heavily based on the Oregon Wave Energy Statement that was crafted by our chapters and statewide membership last year. Click here to read: http://www.surfrider.org/whoweare7.asp Thanks to all of you who participated in developing this! Also, as a reminder, we have a wave energy blog that includes info for activists on wave energy. http://surfriderwaveenergy.blogspot.com/Friday, July 11, 2008
Surfer Injured by Dory Boat in Pacific City
On July 6, 2008, a 14-year-old boy lost his arm in Pacific City after a dory boat struck him while surfing. Other surfers were able to recover his arm and administer aid. The boy was air lifted to Emanuel Hospital in Portland where he underwent surgery to reattach his arm. Witnesses say the Dory boat approached the beach at a high speed with no warnings even though its mandated to blare the boats horn within 100 yards of the beach. A very sad incident indeed. Surfrider is following this issue closely and we hope that future incidents like this can be avoided. Surfrider Foundation chapters in Oregon have strong ties with both surfers and fishermen, and we hope this incident will not compromise the use of the area for either user group. As a grassroots organization that advocates for surfer access, we are engaged in discussions with members of the PC surf community, and willing to provide support, as needed. Hopefully we can all work within this community to better educate all users so something like this never happens again.Sunday, June 29, 2008
Benefit Art Show - July 3 in Portland
The Portland Chapter of Surfrider Foundation, along with Wend magazine and Kona Brewing are hosting a benefit art show for Surfrider's ongoing programs to benefit our oceans. Hosted by Lizard Lounge for first Thursday, the show will feature seven different regional surf artists, music, and lots of free beer. (Spencer Reynolds 'Connecting' pictured right). Plus, a Surfrider table with info on our campaigns, programs, and volunteer opportunities! Come down, show your support for mother ocean, and check out some art. Thursday, July 3rd, 6pm 1323 NW Irving St., Portland http://www.lizardloungepdx.com/.Tuesday, June 24, 2008
International Surfing Day Beach Cleanup Highlights
Monday, June 23, 2008
STEWARDSHIP AREA LAUNCH
On June 17-18, 2008, the Port Orford Ocean Resource Team (POORT) with support from Surfrider, PMCC and other partners officially launched the Port Orford Community Stewardship Area! The event was attended by over a hundred participants including the Governors Office, fishermen, marine scientists, community leaders, agency staff, and environmental groups. Jared Tarr, Surfriders Blue Water Task Force Coordinator in Port Orford, presented on local marine water quality testing conducted in partnership with Pacific High School. The goal of the proposed Stewardship Area is to protect the rich marine ecology of the region while also promoting sustainable fishing opportunities for the local fleet. The Areas boundaries encompass the communitys historic fishing grounds and adjacent watersheds, promoting an ecosystem-based approach to management. The Stewardship Area concept grew out of POORTs mission to engage local fishers and other community members in creating a natural resource management framework that makes sense for the Port Orford. POORT believes that in order to sustain local fisheries, we must be proactive, ensuring that people who live and work on the ocean play a role in their stewardship. For more info on the project please see www.oceanresourceteam.org/Huge thanks to Leesa, Alicia, Jared, Rachel, Aaron, Markus, and many, many othersFriday, June 13, 2008
Marine Reserves Outreach
Kicking off Phase 2 of marine reserves outreach, Oregon Sea Grant and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will be hosting informational meetings June 23 - 27 in communities along the coast and in Salem from 7pm - 9pm. The meetings will provide an update on changes to the marine reserves development process made in response to public input earlier this year, and introduce the process by which the public can propose sites for further evaluation as potential marine reserves. See below for dates/locations. For full details, please see http://www.oregonmarinereserves.net/Monday, June 23: Newport
Tuesday, June 24: Tillamook
Wednesday, June 25: Salem
Thursday, June 26: North Bend
Friday, June 27: Gold Beach
