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I am listening and hearing the discussion centered around fishing and fish stocks. Oregon's marine ecosystems also support marine mammals and birds. According to the State of the Birds Report, at least 39% of the US birds restricted to Ocean Habitats are declining, facing threats from pollution, over-fishing,  warming sea temperatures and decline of forage fish.

Oregon is not exempt from what is happening around the country and around the world. The Marine Reserves and ocean conservation process that Oregon is undertaking is critical. My hope and expectation is that the small handful of areas under consdieration for reserves is the start and not the end. Science shows us that a network of areas is required for ecological function, sustainability and resiliency. Oregon needs to committ to a network of sites.

posted 2 years, 11 months ago
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