Oregon Sea Grant

Multiple Uses and Marine Spatial Planning

A Community-Based Bramework for Identifying, Estimating and Evaluating Ecosystem Services Associated with Oregon's Proposed Marine Reserves

Randall S. Rosenberger
Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society
College of Forestry
Oregon State University
318 Richardson Hall
Corvallis, OR 97331
Phone: 541-737-4425
Fax: 541-737-1393
Email
On the Web:
Dr. Rosenberger's Web page
State of Oregon Marine Reserves page

Co-PIs: Gil Sylvia,OSU Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station; Selina Heppell, OSU Fisheries & Wildlife

Oregon’s marine reserves process provides a tangible, study-ready opportunity to develop techniques that begin to apply the concept of ecosystem-based management to real-world marine management issues. Many researchers, managers and stakeholders see marine reserves as promising tools in the sustainable management of marine resources. However, implementation and monitoring are often difficult and contentious, and ongoing evaluation of performance non-existent.

The proposed creation of marine reserves at two sites in Oregon creates an opportunity to establish and test a community-based framework for identifying, estimating, monitoring and evaluating the costs and benefits of marine reserves. The research team is studying the dynamic complexity of social, cultural, economic and ecological processes and the trade-offs associated with the establishment of marine reserves. The project is also considering the value local coastal communities hold in the relative benefits and costs of marine reserves.

Learn more:

• Marine Reserves