Celebrating the Marine Reserves Program with Gov. Kotek

Last week, Environment Oregon staff were in Salem meeting with legislators, coalition partners and Gov. Kotek to celebrate the signing of HB4132 – the Marine Reserves Bill. HB4132 passed with near unanimous support during the short legislative session earlier this year and will increase funding to improve Oregon’s most successful ocean conservation program.

HB4132 allocates just under $1 million for the next biennium for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to bolster the Marine Reserves Program. Most notably, it outlines a process to create an adaptive management plan, so that our five marine reserves can be better managed in the face of ever-changing ocean conditions like sea level rise and ocean acidification. In addition, it also provides an opportunity to better educate and engage Oregonians with the wonders beneath their waves.

We look forward to seeing the stronger program in the future. Below are just a couple photos from the ceremonial signing, and the team of conservationists who helped make it happen.