Oregon Territorial Sea Plan Approved

Following years of data collection, stakeholder engagement, and public process, the State of Oregon recently adopted an amended Territorial Sea Plan, which accommodates for the new use of renewable energy development within Oregon’s nearshore waters.

Oregon Surfrider members and staff have played a very active role in this effort over the years by participating in the Reedsport Settlement Agreement, developing Surfrider’s Policy on Renewable Ocean Energy, mapping surfing and other recreational activities through the Oregon Non-Consumptive Recreational Ocean Use Study, representing ocean recreational users on the Territorial Sea Plan Advisory Committee (TSPAC), and providing many public comments to the Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC).

Department of Land Conservation and Development staff provided recommendations for adoption to the Land Conservation and Development Commission (final decision making body) that are based on input from TSPAC, OPAC, and the public.

In short, the recommendations include directing the study for renewable energy suitability and potential siting at specific locations including: Camp Rilea, Nestucca, Reedsport, and the area off Lakeside (link to map). These areas, if fully built out would comprise approximately 2% of Oregon’s Territorial Sea, and most importantly avoid sensitive ecological areas, and areas important for recreation. The amended plan, including the policies, standards, and procedures also includes additional recommendations for periodic review, a cap on the amount of future build out, and the distribution of sites along the coast.