What is the Oregon Ocean Policy Advisory Council?
The Oregon Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) is the
legislatively established marine policy advisory body for the State. The council provides advice to the Governor, state agencies, and local governments on ocean policy and resource management matters. OPAC members represent coastal community interests, state agencies, conservation interests, and the general public. The Council's membership is defined by Oregon Revised Statute 196.438. View the current
OPAC roster for a full list of council members and their positions.
The Ocean Policy Advisory Council has no authority to directly regulate ocean activities or manage resources or to enforce its plans or policies. The council proposes plans and policies to the Land Conservation and Development Commission, since the Oregon Coastal Management Program is housed within DLCD. Once its plans and policies are approved by the Land Conservation and Development Commission, the state agencies represented on OPAC are required to carry them out or act consistently with them. DLCD provides staff support to OPAC, which meets at least twice a year.
OPAC Working Groups
Oregon's Ocean Policy Advisory Council performs much of its work in smaller groups. None of these groups have any additional authority, and all decisions and positions of OPAC are developed and made or taken by the entire council.
Current OPAC Working Groups include:
- Executive Committee
- Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee
- Territorial Sea Plan Work Group on Offshore Wind Energy
OPAC Meetings and How to Get Involved
OPAC Meetings are open to the public and conducted in accordance with the council’s
Operating Procedures. We invite all interested parties to attend meetings and give public comment. Meeting recordings are available on
DLCD’s YouTube channel.
View upcoming OPAC events,
sign up for Oregon Marine Policy email updates, and
visit Oregon Ocean Info to learn more and stay up to date with council activities.