Oregon Surfrider Foundation - News

Oregon Beach Cleanups This Weekend!

oregon@surfrider.org (Oregon Surfrider) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:13:00 +0000

It's that time of year once again and the winter storms have washed plenty on our beaches to be picked up! Join us, this Saturday as we participate statewide with our chapters and other volunteers for SOLV's 25th Anniversary Spring Beach Cleanup: March 20th 10am-1pm all along the coast! Here's a few highlights from the fall: We hope you'll come out and join us at one of the eight different sites captained by Surfrider volunteers and get a free reusable bag or come to any one of the many other spots along the coast (over 45 different registration points). Go to Spring Beach Cleanup to pre-register and find locations closest to you. We hope to see you there!

The Cycle of Insanity: The Real Story of Water

noreply@blogger.com (Gus Gates) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:38:00 +0000

Our friends at the San Diego Chapter have put together this great video on the water cycle and what is needed to fix our wasteful behaviors. Most people in Oregon know that we live in an area with abundant precipitation, however, few people realize that we have a very limited storage capacity (especially on the coast) during summer months when water demands and usage are high. Check out the movie trailer here & look for the full video to come out soon. Think about ways to minimize your water footprint at your home and in your daily routine, Know Your H2O!!!

The Cycle of Insanity: The Real Story of Water - TRAILER 1 from Surfrider Foundation San Diego C on Vimeo.

Oregon Ocean Information

noreply@blogger.com (Gus Gates) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:03:00 +0000

Oregon is currently engaged in a variety of ocean planning and management activities that will affect the future of our ocean ecosystem and economy. Recently, the Department of Land Conservation and Development created a new website to serve as a clearinghouse of information on current topics of interest such as the Nearshore Research Task Force, Marine Reserves, Ocean Energy, and Seafloor Mapping. Visit the website at www.oregonocean.info and pass the link along to friends. This website will help you learn about these activities and about opportunities to be involved. Be sure to check the calendar of Upcoming Ocean Events, the Latest Additions of publications and announcements, and the list of Most Popular articles and information about Oregon’s ocean.

Bill to Restore Oil and Gas Drilling Moratorium Headed to Senate Floor

noreply@blogger.com (Gus Gates) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 06:18:00 +0000

Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill right now to restore the moratorium on offshore oil and gas drilling within Oregon's Territorial Sea for the next 10 years. Representative Ben Cannon sponsored HB 3613, which originated as a permanent ban but has since been amended to sunset in 2020 as a compromise to garner wider support. The Surfrider Foundation believes that the strongest protection for the health of our ocean, coastlines, and communities should be the ultimate goal, and a permanent ban on offshore oil and gas drilling is the best way to achieve this. Oregon's Pacific Ocean, waves and beaches are vital recreational, economic, and ecological treasures that will be polluted by any offshore oil or gas drilling. Check out the recent editorial piece by the Eugene Register Guard which sums up the issue rather nicely. The Oregon Senate will be voting on the bill this week, please take 5 minutes and contact your Senator today to show your support for HB 3613 and a clean ocean and coastline!

Including non-consumptive recreational uses in Oregon's Territorial Sea Planning

noreply@blogger.com (Gus Gates) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:42:00 +0000

As part of Oregon's Territorial Sea Plan update process, the Surfrider Foundation is partnering with Ecotrust, Natural Equity, and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development on a Non-consumptive Recreational Use Study for Oregon. This study is intended provide high-quality spatially explicit information that is needed to inform marine spatial planning efforts and other relevant decision-making within Oregon's nearshore waters. This study will focus on non-consumptive recreational use along Oregon's coast and Territorial Sea (state waters; 3 nautical miles). Activities to be surveyed include: water sports (e.g. surfing, diving, kayaking) beach going, wildlife viewing, and boating (e.g. motoring, sailing). This project will begin in the coming weeks of February with multiple ways to participate through the end of the summer. Look for more information and ways to participate very soon. Your participation and input is appreciated.

OPAC Meeting in Bandon this Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Gus Gates) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:54:00 +0000

The Oregon Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) will be having a meeting on Friday, January 29th starting at 9am at the Bandon Conference and Community Center, aka "The Barn" at 1200 11th street in Bandon. To view the agenda, click here. Topics of interest include: Territorial Sea Plan Amendment process, Nearshore Research Task Force, Marine Reserves, and the role of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee. The meeting is open to the public, and there will be time allotted on the agenda for public comment. Stick around after the meeting for a public reception hosted by the Port of Bandon, with fresh Oregon Dungeness Crab donated by the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission.

Reedsport Wave Energy Process

noreply@blogger.com (Pete Stauffer) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 01:08:00 +0000

Surfrider continues to be involved in a settlement process with state and federal agencies, conservation groups, fishing groups, and Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) to agree on a precautionary approach to wave energy development off Reedsport. Negotiations have developed a draft settlement agreement that includes an adaptive management strategy. This strategy includes study plans that OPT will conduct to identify any adverse effects from the first and second phases of the wave energy project. The company hopes to install one buoy next summer and nine additional buoys the following year. Monitoring of ecological and socioeconomic effects will help determine potential for further build-out. Adaptive management ensures that parties reassess implementation of the project at each phase to avoid or minimize degradation to aquatic resources. Initial phases will include studies on aquatic species such as marine mammals, sharks, fish, plankton, and migratory birds. OPT will also study effects of wave energy buoys on recreation, public safety, crabbing, fishing, and cultural resources. Surfrider intends to remain engaged throughout the process to help ensure that adverse effects are addressed appropriately. For more info or to get involved contact please ggates@surfrider.org or pstauffer@surfrider.org.

Wear Blue for the Oceans Day: January 13, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Gus Gates) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:20:00 +0000

January 13, 2010 has been dubbed “Wear Blue for the Oceans Day” . The purpose is to demonstrate widespread support for the Obama Administration to establish a National Ocean Policy through issuing an Executive Order. This is a great opportunity to organize an event around or spread the word through your networks.
Last June, President Obama established an Ocean Policy Task Force to develop recommendations for a National Ocean Policy and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). The Task Force process is nearing completion – see interim reports and comment opportunities on their website - and in early 2010, the Obama Administration will be considering its response to the Task Force recommendations.
This is a historic opportunity to help shape the future of ocean and coastal management. Please help spread the word!
"We have a stewardship responsibility to maintain healthy, resilient, and sustainable oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes resources for the benefit of this and future generations."
President Barack Obama, June 12, 2009

Offshore Oil Drilling Moratorium to Sunset for OR Territorial Sea

noreply@blogger.com (Gus Gates) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:45:00 +0000

Did you know that the moratorium for offshore oil and gas drilling for Oregon's Territorial Sea (0-3NM) is set to expire on January 2nd, 2010? Although most people realize that our waters don't contain enough oil and gas to be feasibly extracted, the sunsetting of this moratorium is alarming to many ocean users and Oregonians who are concerned about the environmental impacts if oil drilling were to occur off our coastline. Fortunately a leader has emerged to address this issue as Representative Ben Cannon (chair of the House Environment and Water Committee) has announced that he intends to introduce legislation that would create a permanent ban on oil and gas leasing and drilling within Oregon's waters as his one priority bill for the upcoming special legislative session in February. "As far as Oregon is concerned, it's just a poor economic use of our ocean" Rep. Cannon says of oil drilling. To read some recent press on this issue, click here. To learn more about the impacts of offshore oil drilling, check out the NOT THE ANSWER blog.
Please help out by signing on to the letter of support here: oilandgas.jointletter.v3.doc send contact info to Gus Gates

PNW Toxic Algae and Surfers' Health Survey

oregon@surfrider.org (Oregon Surfrider) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:50:00 +0000

The Washington Department of Health, in collaboration with NOAA and CDC, is conducting a retrospective survey of surfers that were exposed to an algal bloom along the Oregon and Washington coast line. Researchers are checking reports that surfers and kayakers who came in contact with the foam may have suffered cold-like symptoms, including temporary loss of smell and taste. The toxins also may have become aerosolized and affected beachcombers as well. Interested in possible health problems following exposure, they are hoping that you will help by filling out this survey or click on the picture at right.

Oregon Nearshore Research Task Force

noreply@blogger.com (Gus Gates) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:26:00 +0000

The Oregon Nearshore Research Task Force was developed by the state legislature with the passage of House Bill 3106, at the end of the 2009 session. The purpose of the Task Force is to "make recommendations to ensure the protection and utilization of Oregon's nearshore resources." More specifically, the bill charges the Task Force to develop recommendations on a long-term funding and coordination strategy to meet the state's nearshore priorities and provides guidance on how the task force will implement the intent of the bill. Using key documents that outline nearshore priorities (Oregon Nearshore Marine Resource Management Strategy, West Coast Governors Agreement on Ocean Health, Oregon Territorial Sea Plan, and West Coast Regional Marine Research and Information Plan) HB 3106 identifies four objectives to guide development of the recommended strategy:

-Review, consolidate and anticipate nearshore priorities for supporting research, monitoring, management, policy, education, and outreach;

-Identify funding needs for current and anticipated nearshore programs;

-Identify funding process for transparent acceptances of public and private funds; and

-Identify mechanisms for data sharing among state agencies, institutions and other stakeholders.

Look for updates in the near future with a web site that is being created to serve as a clearinghouse of nearshore information. To learn more, and to find out how you can get involved, contact "nearshore recreation" representative Gus Gates at ggates@surfrider.org

A Strategy for Success

oregon@surfrider.org (Oregon Surfrider) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:42:00 +0000

At Surfrider, we realize all of our projects, programs and campaigns come together with carefully thought out strategic plans. Being successful in our efforts relies on this type of planning and today, I had the pleasure of working with the youth volunteers at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in such a process. This year marks our third annual Newport Chapter of Surfrider Foundation/Aquarium Youth Volunteer winter water quality project. We spent the better part of 2 hours today mapping out the strategies and tactics surrounding the kids' project goals and objectives. Nothing satisfies me more than seeing these kids succeed and using the necessary planning tools to get themselves there. Self-motivated - check, plan in place - check, victory influencing city council - check back again this spring! And just what are these kids up to you might ask. Click here for a hint from a similar project in Port Orford.

Nationwide, Our Sewer Systems Are in Need of Upgrades

oregon@surfrider.org (Oregon Surfrider) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:57:00 +0000

"Today, sewage systems are the nation's most frequent violators of the Clean Water Act. More than a third of all sewer systems -- including those in San Diego, Houston, Phoenix, San Antonio, Philadelphia, San Jose and San Francisco -- have violated environmental laws since 2006, according to a Times analysis of E.P.A. data." - excerpt from this New York Times. While we often highlight these issues in major cities, which are most competetive for funding infrastructure upgrades, it's our smaller coastal communities that often come last for priority funding and upgrades...remember our beaches, support sewer and stormwater solutions in your coastal communities.

Surfing on Oregon Field Guide This Week

oregon@surfrider.org (Oregon Surfrider) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:33:00 +0000

This Thursday at 8:30 pm and Sunday at 6:30 pm, Oregon Field Guide will be taking a look into the window of the lives and waves of few surfers here in Oregon. I don't know much about this one as Surfrider wasn't involved, but definitely curious to see what the good folks at OPB and Oregon Field Guide uncovered. Quoting Michael Bendixen chief photographer on the story, "we want to bring the audience as close as they can get to the surfer’s experience. We'd like the audience to feel the first peak of a wave, popping up on the board, and working with the wave's energy as you complete the ride. The ocean landscape is one of unrelenting change and unpredictability. In short, it’s a challenge to film. But, by doing this production, we were able to meet a group of surfers who commit a lot to this sport and lifestyle. More Here or click on the video clip at right.

Oregon's Territorial Sea Plan Update Process

noreply@blogger.com (Gus Gates) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:16:00 +0000

Oregon's Territorial Sea has been the focus of much attention recently. With numerous wave energy project proposals submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), many wondered how this emerging use was going to fit in with existing uses such as commercial and recreational fishing, as well as non-consumptive activities like surfing, kayaking, and kite boarding. In March of 2008, Governor Kulongoski signed an important Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with FERC that said Oregon would only allow wave energy projects to be built on a limited pilot project basis until we had revised our Territorial Sea Plan to include a new chapter for siting alternative energy projects within our nearshore. This policy framework of how we go about siting projects has been developed over the past year by OPAC's Territorial Sea Plan Working Group, as well as the Territorial Sea Plan Advisory Committee (of which Surfrider Foundation serves on as a rep of "Ocean Recreation"). Last week the Land Conservation and Development Commission adopted this new chapter, and set the stage for the next step in the on-going process which is to identify potential areas that might be suitable for siting alternative energy projects after important ecological, fishing and recreational areas have been mapped out. Check out the recent press in the Oregonian about the TSP process by clicking here. For an overview of how we have engaged on this issue, click on the link below for our 1 page document.

Oregon_TSP_1pager.doc

Sociocultural Study of Non-Consumptive Recreational Ocean Users within Oregon's Nearshore

noreply@blogger.com (Gus Gates) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:16:00 +0000

Oregon State University is conducting research focusing on the "non- consumptive" ocean recreational users of Oregon - including divers, surfers, kite boarders, windsurfers, boaters/sailors, kayakers, and boat-based nature viewers. The project hopes to better understand these communities in learning about their needs, perspectives, composition, and contributions. Presently, there is a void in available information on these groups. The information gathered will be used to create a profile of these recreational communities to potentially serve as a foundation for informing policy decisions. This project seeks to ensure that the present void in information on these "non-consumptive" recreational ocean users is filled to facilitate their representation in future decision-making regarding Oregon's ocean. As a stakeholder of Oregon's ocean resources, your participation is highly valued. Participation in the study is voluntary, limited to individuals over the age of 18, and will involve the completion of a mail questionnaire.

To participate please contact Chris Eardley, an Oregon State University graduate student, at ceardley@coas.oregonstate.edu. Please mention which ocean recreational group(s) you belong to and provide your mailing address for receiving the questionnaire. All information gathered will be presented as a whole, in a summarized form. We will not seek any sensitive information, no identities will be made public, and mailing information will not be shared with third parties. Help us to serve you!

OPAC Meeting in Florence on 10/23

noreply@blogger.com (Gus Gates) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:49:00 +0000

The Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) will be having a meeting this Friday from 9-4pm at the Florence Events Center. Topics of the meeting include an update on Marine Reserves, the West Coast Governor's Agreement on Ocean Health, and the Territorial Sea Plan Revision process. There will also be time for public comment. To view the draft agenda, click here. Stick around after the meeting for the 5th annual Heceta Head Coastal Conference, visit www.hecetaheadconference.org to register and learn more.

Oregon Marine Reserve Rulemaking Meetings

noreply@blogger.com (Gus Gates) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:35:00 +0000

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will be holding public meetings in concert with the Division of State Lands and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department on their respective draft rules for establishing a marine reserve at Otter Rock, as well as a marine reserve and marine protected area at Redfish Rocks in Port Orford. The meetings will take place in Salem, Port Orford, and Otter Rock between October 20-22. For more information, and to view the draft rules, click here.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 1-3 PM
State Lands Building
Land Board Room
775 Summer Street N.E.
Salem, Oregon

Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 7-9 PM
Port Orford Public Library
1421 Oregon Street
Port Orford, Oregon

Thursday, October 22, 2009, 7-9 PM
The Inn at Otter Crest
301 Otter Crest Drive
Otter Rock, Oregon

5th Annual Heceta Head Coastal Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Gus Gates) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:08:00 +0000

The 5th Annual Heceta Head Coastal Conference is coming up on October 23-24 in Florence. This annual event is intended to inform and educate the public on the need for a healthy, productive, and resilient marine ecosystem off the Oregon Coast. This year's conference theme is "Oregon's Ocean: The Land-Sea Connection". The conference features a 3 part program with activities getting underway on Friday afternoon with Discovery Tours taking place in Newport, Charleston, and Florence. Friday evening will feature a dinner and presentation from Dr. Bob Malouf titled "Ocean Science and Management: Assessment of the Past 30 Years". Saturday's program will feature various panel discussions and presentations on topics such as the Territorial Sea Plan Update, Hypoxia, Ocean Resource Teams, and Marine Reserve Legislation. To learn more and to register for the conference, please visit http://www.hecetaheadconference.org/

Creating a National Ocean Policy

noreply@blogger.com (Gus Gates) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:57:00 +0000

President Barack Obama has put together an Ocean Policy Task Force to help develop a National Ocean Policy and a framework for Marine Spatial Planning. The Task Force is currently holding listening sessions around the country to gather public input. This is a great opportunity to express support for ocean conservation - in particular, an Executive Order to protect, maintain, and restore our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes. A strong National Ocean Policy will prioritize lasting ecosystem protection, while providing much needed coordination for the 20 agencies and 140 laws that currently govern these resources. Marine Spatial Planning provides an opportunity to plan for all the various existing/emerging uses of the ocean, while ensuring we protect our oceans for future generations. To read the Surfrider Coastal A-Z article on MSP, click here. For an in-depth set of recommendations, click here to view the letter from our friends at NRDC. Chapters and individuals are encouraged to submit written comments through the website of the Ocean Policy Task Force, to do so, click here.

2009 Oregon Fall Beach Cleanup

noreply@blogger.com (Surfrider) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:07:00 +0000

Make Everyday a Beach Cleanup, do it Statewide on Sept. 19th!

noreply@blogger.com (Gus Gates) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:52:00 +0000

Have you ever found yourself on a remote beach or in a secluded cove and wondered why there always seems to be so much trash on the beach? Most of it usually floats in during winter storms, brought by ocean currents that have been carrying this trash throughout the ocean. Unfortunately, 80% of the trash that is found in the ocean gets there from land-based sources. Most Surfrider members make everyday beach cleanup day by picking up the un-sightly trash that they find on their beach, and many chapters and members also participate in the annual SOLV beach cleanups in the Fall and Spring. This year will mark the 25th anniversary that SOLV has been doing beach cleanups in Oregon, please mark your calendar and plan to participate in the annual Fall cleanup on September 19th at all Oregon beaches. Chapters and Organizing committees will be captaining sites all along the coast, and your help is needed! To learn more, and to fill out an on-line volunteer waiver click here. To find out more facts about the impacts of plastics on the marine environment, and how you can be part of the solution, rather than the pollution, visit www.riseaboveplastics.org

Lincoln County Wave Energy Community Forums

noreply@blogger.com (Gus Gates) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:50:00 +0000

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and County Counsel, in conjunction with Oregon State Extension Sea Grant Program and the Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, are holding Community Forums on Wave Energy in the communities of Yachats, Lincoln City, and Newport. The goal of the Community Forums is to inform, listen to and engage citizens in Lincoln County in the planning and development of wave energy generation.

Monday, August 24th at 6:00 pm in Room 8, Yachats Commons, 441 Hwy 101 N., Yachats
Tuesday, August 25th at 6:00 pm in the Lincoln City Council Chambers, City Hall, 801 SW Hwy 101, Lincoln City
Wednesday, August 26th at 6:00 pm in the Auditorium, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 Marine Science Drive, South Beach

For more information, and to view the agenda, click here

Blue Vision Summit Wrap Up

noreply@blogger.com (Surfrider) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:34:00 +0000

The Blue Vision Summit from David McGuire on Vimeo.

Great work and good minds by all our chapter members and Oregon's very own Pete Stauffer who participated in this amazing summit!

ODFW Marine Reserve Workshop this Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Gus Gates) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:37:00 +0000

The State of Oregon has been engaged in a process to consider marine reserves along its coast for the past few years. With a recommendation from the state's Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC), and passage of legislation implementing that recommendation, the process is entering the next phase. Two pilot marine reserve sites will be implemented soon, and four other sites will undergo further work to consider, develop, or refine site proposals, and will be further evaluated as sites for possible future marine reserves. ODFW is in the process of developing a work plan that will guide the state's marine reserves work during the 2009-2011 biennium. The plan encompasses both the two pilot and the four evaluation sites, and covers biological, habitat, socioeconomic, and community outreach work. The plan seeks to achieve the goals and objectives set forth by OPAC, the governor's office, the legislature, and others within the state. The purpose of this workshop is to receive input from coastal community members, the fishing industry, ocean users, local elected officials, and the general public to help shape the work plan. Once this work plan is complete, further workshops and meetings will be held over the coming months with local community groups to guide work plan implementation. The workshop will be held on Thursday August 6, 2009 6:00-8:00 pm at the Best Western Agate Beach Inn 3019 North Coast Highway, Newport. For more information about the workshop, click here. To view the DRAFT workplan, click on the link below.
ODFW MR WORKPLAN DRAFT.pdf