Oregon Ocean Panel Endorses Three New Marine Reserves

On Dec 7, Oregon's Ocean Policy Advisory Council endorsed plans for three new fishing-free marine reserves after scaling back the most controversial reserve, at Cape Falcon south of Cannon Beach.

The proposed reserves -- at Cape Falcon, Cascade Head near Lincoln City and Cape Perpetua near Yachats -- will now move to the governor and to the Legislature for possible approval in next year's session.

If approved, the three reserves in Oregon's territorial sea would add to the state's first two: Redfish Rocks near Port Orford and Otter Rocks near Depoe Bay, both scheduled to take effect in June.