SALEM, Ore. — A Marine Reserves Workshop was held today for the Fish and Wildlife Commission to provide background information on Marine Reserves.  During the workshop, the commissioners learned about the state process for potential designation of a limited system of Marine Reserves in Oregon’s Territorial Sea and their role in that process.

“The workshop was extremely beneficial for the commissioners to get up to speed on this important issue,” said Commission Chair Marla Rae.  “We look forward to the opportunity to listen to the public on this and work with other agencies.”

The workshop was led by Ed Bowles, ODFW Fish Division Administrator, Patty Burke, Marine Resources Program Manager, and Jessica Hamilton, Natural Resources Policy Advisor with Governor Kulongoski’s office.

In other business, in response to Senate Bill 804, the Commission adopted amendments to Oregon Administrative Rules which more clearly define wild birds and wild mammals. The Commission also adopted sturgeon propagation rule changes consistent with Senate Bill 569, which authorized the commercial propagation of sturgeon in Oregon.  Prior to the change, sturgeon propagation permits were only allowed for scientific and educational purposes.

The Commission is the policy-making body for fish and wildlife issues in the state. The seven-member panel meets monthly. Agenda item exhibits may be requested by calling the ODFW Director’s Office at 800-720-6339 or 503-947-6044. Agenda items also can be found on ODFW’s website at www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/commission/minutes/