Ocean planning in Oregon is focused on protecting marine resources and the ecological functions that provide long-term economic and social benefits for all Oregonians. Maritime activities, like fishing, recreation, tourism, transportation, scientific research and education, traditional cultural practices, and sightseeing are important to the State and local economies. The ocean is a large, publicly owned area where many different uses are supported. The goal of ocean planning is to reduce conflict between these wide-ranging activities and ensure that they are carried out in a sustainable manner, consistent with
Statewide Land Use Planning Goal 19: Ocean Resources.
Ocean users, along with state and federal agencies, are faced with the challenge of maintaining the health of the ocean ecosystem. Today, traditional uses of the ocean are increasing and new potential uses, such as renewable energy development and ocean aquaculture, are emerging.
Below is a list of publications and information resources available to policy makers when considering new ocean policy or management program changes.
Oregon Ocean Information Website
The Oregon Ocean Information website was created to support policy decision making and changes to Oregon's Territorial Sea Plan. It also serves as a single go-to site for other ocean-related activities, councils, GIS data and online mapping tools, like Oregon SeaSketch. It is the web site for the Ocean Policy Advisory Council and the Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia Coordination Council.
Oregon Territorial Sea Plan
Oregon has jurisdiction over a strip of ocean water adjacent to the shore that is three nautical miles wide, called the Territorial Sea. Oregon has a Territorial Sea Plan for this area which applies to state and federal agency programs and activities that take place there. Go to the Territorial Sea Plan page for more information.
Goal 19 – The Ocean Resources Planning Goal
Statewide Planning Goal 19 addresses matters related to open ocean resources and aims "to conserve the long-term values, benefits, and natural resources of the nearshore ocean and the continental shelf."
Goal 19 deals with matters such as dumping dredge spoils and discharge of waste products into the open sea and prioritizes the protection of renewable marine resources over the development of non-renewable resources. It outlines state interest in conserving resources within the Ocean Stewardship Area, which includes Oregon's territorial sea out to 3 nautical miles as well as the continental margin seaward to the toe of the continental slope, and adjacent ocean areas.
Goal 19 was updated in late 2000 by the Land Conservation and Development Commission. Since 1977 this goal has guided Oregon's policy and management of ocean resources. This is one of the most pertinent "applicable elements" of the Oregon Coastal Management Program (OCMP) referred to in the law.
The Ocean Plan
The Oregon Ocean Resources Management Plan, commonly referred to as the "Ocean Plan", was approved on December 12, 1990, by the Land Conservation and Development Commission. State law states that "the Territorial Sea Plan shall be based on the policies and recommendations of the Oregon Ocean Resources Management Plan."
The Ocean Book
The Ocean Book was written by Tish Parmenter and Bob Bailey and published in 1985. It focuses on the ocean environment: from the coastline to roughly 200 miles offshore, from Cape Mendocino, California to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The Ocean Book brings together basic oceanography and research data to describe Oregon's ocean.
Ocean Policy Email Notification
DLCD manages an email service that provides users ocean policy-related public notices and general information. It also includes details on upcoming OPAC meetings and events. Sign up here.
Special Topics in Ocean Planning