A bill bolstering our Marine Reserves Program passed through its next legislative hurdle

Oregon’s Marine Reserves Program contains five marine reserves and accompanying areas which encompass roughly 9% of state waters. In those areas, are ecosystems full of life and some of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic critters. Imagine pods of migrating gray whales in the distance, kelp forests concealing seals and crabs, and sandy stretches housing sea stars and anemones. These ecosystems are truly special, and their conservation should be a priority.

This short legislative session, HB4132 (the Marine Reserves Bill), was introduced by coastal legislators and seeks to reinvest Oregon in our oceans and marine reserves. The bill gives the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the stewards of the Program, nearly $1 million for the biennium to improve it. Most notably, HB4132 will create a process for more community education and engagement as well as for allow for adaptive management – something that’s essential with ever-changing ocean conditions because of ocean acidification, hypoxia, and climate change.

Today, HB4132 passed through a critical step in the legislative process, and is just a couple away from being passed. Legislators in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means voted to move HB4132 to the House floor where is will be voted on by all the Representatives. If it passes there, it will go through the same process on the Senate floor.

The legislative session ends on March 10th and is approaching quickly. If we’re going to get HB4132 over the finish line, legislators still need to hear that Oregonians want to see our Marine Reserves Program bolstered.

Join us in continuing to call on them to swiftly pass HB4132 and take an important step in reinvesting Oregon in our ocean.