April 23, 2007

Oregon to expand aquaculture while protecting coastline

US Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has asked for a state proposal for a network of marine reserves that would see the building of wave energy production facilities and aquaculture farms along the state's coastline.

Saying that Oregon has much to learn from the state of California, which has set up its marine reserve network next door, he has asked the Oregon Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) to submit the proposal, hoping to emulate its system.

In December 2005, Governor Kulongoski proposed designating Oregon's entire coast as a National Marine Sanctuary in a unique federal-state partnership to provide long-term stewardship of the ocean ecosystems.

In his letter, the Governor encouraged the Council to continue their dialogue with the federal government while noting that the state should also pursue independent preservation initiatives.

OPAC's efforts will complement the regional partnership between California, Washington and Oregon announced in September 2006 to jointly address ocean health issues.

The Governor directed OPAC to coordinate with the Department of State Lands, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the National Wildlife Service Refuge Branch and other relevant state and federal agencies to meet their needs for resource management and protection.