Marine Reserves in Oregon

[C-Hawk]

If you think the Marine Reserves are going to stay in California--- think again-----

RFA Opposes Pro-Marine Reserve Legislation in Oregon

Salem, OR--The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) announced today its opposition to legislation introduced in the Oregon Senate (SB 734) aimed at creating marine reserves that could ban recreational fishing.

If SB 734 becomes law, it would mandate the establishment of no-fishing zones in Oregon marine waters. These areas can be designated as "marine reserves" or "marine parks". Areas designated, as "marine reserves" would be closed to fishing and areas designated as "marine parks" could be closed to saltwater anglers as well. The legislation declares that marine waters adjacent to terrestrial state parks, state recreation areas, and state-owned lands receive the marine park designation.

"There's no scientific justification for this bill," said Michael Doebley, RFA Deputy Director for Government Affairs. "Oregon fisheries can be managed without resorting to such extreme measures."

"There is a robust body of evidence that demonstrates that in the vast majority of cases, permanent no-fishing zones are completely unnecessary for the conservation and management of fisheries and will cause significant social and economic harm," said Jim Donofrio, RFA Executive Director.

Oregon's Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) has been advising the state on fisheries management issues for the last four years. By statute, it has balanced stakeholder representation, and is charged with the responsibility of considering marine reserves as part of the fisheries management process.

"We see no reason to allow SB 734 to usurp OPAC's work and we'll be working with allied organizations such as Oregon Anglers to do everything we can to see SB 734 defeated," said John Holloway, of RFA-OR.