NEWPORT, Ore.– Nov. 20 is the deadline to submit applications for community team membership for three marine reserve evaluation sites in Oregon.

Each community team will refine and make final recommendations for potential marine reserve sites at Cape Falcon (north of Tillamook), Cascade Head (north of Lincoln City), and Cape Perpetua (between Florence and Newport) to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Team members will also work in collaboration with ODFW staff to assist with biological and social/economic assessments and to develop site-specific marine reserve goals consistent with the Ocean Policy Advisory Council’s marine reserve definition and goals.

There will be one community team per evaluation site.  The community teams are made up of two representatives from each of eight interest groups: local government, recreational fishing, commercial fishing, non-fishing industry, recreationalists, conservation, coastal watershed council, and marine/avian scientists. The composition of the groups is prescribed by Oregon House Bill 3013 (2009).

Applications are due by 9 a.m., Nov. 20 at to Anna Pakenham, ODFW Marine Resources Program, 2040 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, Ore., 97365 or by email: anna.m.pakenham@state.or.us (please indicate “nomination” in the subject).

The nomination application forms are available at the Marine Reserves website or by requesting one from Pakenham.

For questions please contact: Cristen Don (ODFW), cristen.n.don@state.or.us or (541) 867-0300 x 284, or Jeff Feldner (Sea Grant), email Jeff.Feldner@oregonstate.edu or (541) 574-6537 x 33.

###