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Given the fact that Oregon's coastal waters include some of the richest temperate marine ecosystems in the world, a well designed and ecologically sound system of marine reserves would have a positive impact on the fish and wildlife that inhabit these waters. Indeed peer reviewed science has already shown that they have positive benefits in other areas within the California Current System.
Fishermen and scientists working together thru colloborative research has brought the fishing industry some success with the Marine Stewardship Council recently certifying the Pink Shrimp fishery. This is just one example of the good things that can happen when we work together to answer the important research questions that need to be addressed. Currently only 8 of the 43 managed Oregon nearshore species have been scientifically assessed, and unfotunately 2 of those 8 are considered overfished. We need to continue to take a precautionary approach to ensure that we don't have any more stocks added to the overfished category, and marine reserves are a responsible tool that we should use given the unknowns that are out there.
We all want to see a healthy ocean in the future, and that is why it is important for all people, from headwaters to offshore reefs to take advantage of this oppurtunity to ensure that reserves are designed incorporating sound science and local knowledge. With the Pacific Ocean generating 5 billion annually in personal income, can we really afford to not use marine reserves as a management tool? Do we as a society want to see short term gains or long term prosperity?

posted 5 years, 2 months ago
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