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 Water
Quality
Water quality is a core value for Surfrider Foundation members in
Oregon. As ocean-users (surfers, divers, kayakers, swimmers, sport
fishermen) we recognize that clean ocean water is essential to our
health, and that pollutants such us untreated sewage, heavy metals,
and toxins threaten our ability to safely enjoy the marine environment.
Water quality is also crucial for healthy ecosystems. Many fish
and invertebrate species in Oregon waters spend some portion of
their life-cycle close to shore (estuaries, nearshore, etc.) where
they are particularly vulnerable to land-based pollution. Surfrider
is committed to protecting and improving water quality in Oregon
through water quality monitoring, grassroots advocacy, and partnerships
with coastal communities to create pollution solutions. For more
information, please Click
Here to see what we are doing in Oregon, Click
here to find the volunteer opportunities for water quality in
your area, or see the Surfrider
National Blue Water Campaign.
 Marine
Protected Areas (MPAs)
The Surfrider Foundation recognizes that effective protection of
the marine environment requires an integrated approach to management,
including protection of coastal watersheds, estuaries, beaches,
nearshore waters, and the open ocean. The Special Places Campaign
is designed to identify and protect special coastal and ocean places
through the establishment of Marine Protected Areas, including fully-protected
Marine Reserves. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a proven management
tool that can provide permanent protection for ocean habitats and
marine biodiversity. Surfrider Foundation is committed to supporting
MPA designation efforts that: a) are based on clearly defined goals
b) incorporate the best available science; c) address socioeconomic
considerations; d) incorporate local input in the design and implementation;
e) balance preservation with public access for ocean users. For
more information, please Click
Here to see what we're doing in Oregon, or see the
Surfrider National Special Places Campaign
 Shoreline
Preservation
Coastal
erosion may result from a variety of factors including sea level
rise; geologic movement; and man-made development. Actions such
as the construction of seawalls, rip-rap, jetties and groins all
interrupt natural shoreline processes and restrict the supply and
movement of sand. While armoring of the shoreline may protect coastal
property, it also can promote erosion of sediment seaward of the
structure, resulting in a permanent loss of sandy beach environment.
Surfrider is committed to protecting Oregon ’s natural shoreline
through both education and grassroots activism. To read Surfrider’s
policy on beach preservation, click
here. To read Oregon ’s administrative rules on beach
construction and alteration, click
here. If you know of threats to Oregon ’s shoreline and/or
would like to get involved in shoreline protection efforts, please
contact us!
 Beach
Access
Surfrider
believes that all people should have the right to use and enjoy
the beach. Fortunately, Oregon has some of the strongest policies
in the country to protect beach access. In 1967, the historic Beach
Bill was passed by the Oregon Legislature which protects the public’s
right to use and enjoy ocean beaches along Oregon ’s 362 mile-long
coastline. The Beach Bill also directs that the ocean shore be administered
as a state recreation area by Oregon State Parks Department. Nevertheless,
experience in Oregon and elsewhere has shown that access rights
can easily be infringed upon (or lost altogether!) if citizens are
not engaged in understanding and protecting their rights. If you
know of threats to beach access in Oregon and/or would like to get
involved, please contact us! Llearn more about the Oregon
Beach Bill of 1967.
 Wave
Energy Development
Wave energy refers to the generation of electrical power through
harnessing the energy of ocean waves. Wave energy development is
moving quickly in Oregon – seven projects have already been
proposed– and public engagement is critical to ensuring that
concerns related to environmental impacts, public safety, ocean
recreation, and aesthetics are substantively addressed. Oregon Chapter
has developed a Statement on Wave Energy that communicates the interested
role of recreational ocean users in local planning efforts and articulate
principles that should be applied when evaluating potential projects.
To read this statement, click
here. While renewable energy may have tremendous upsides, we
need to make sure that projects happen in the right way, and appropriately
address potential impacts.
Blue
Water Task Force Chapter Efforts
Surfrider Foundation volunteers began testing for coliform levels
at six sites in Newport in 1999 As of August 2006 thanks largely
to a grant from the Packard Foundation and historic support from
Patagonia Portland variety of partnerships with schools and watershed
councils, Surfrider Foundation is currently testing 20 sites along
the Oregon coast. These include 4 in Port Orford, 2 in Bandon, 4
in Coos Bay, 8 in Newport and 2 in Pacific City. In 2007, The Portland
Chapter will begin testing freshwater systems to monitor the watershed.
Each of these areas needs more volunteer support. Click
here (volunteer page) to determine the need in your area. Click
here to see Oregon BWTF results. Know anyone who has gotten
sick in the water? Then click
here to report it at the Ocean Illness Website.
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