Oregonians have recognized the need for stewardship of our coastal ecosystems for a long time. In 1962, the Otter Rock Marine Garden was established on Otter Crest Beach which is located north of Devil’s Punchbowl. The Marine Garden prohibited taking of marine life such as sea stars, purple urchins, snails, and crabs.

As our coastal ecosystems continued to face a variety of challenges and environmental pressures, Oregon turned to developing marine reserves for broader protections. Marine reserves are areas in the nearshore ocean dedicated to conservation and scientific research. Ocean development and removal of animals and seaweeds are prohibited.

In 2000, work began to establish Oregon’s Marine Reserve network. A committee representing Oregon’s coastal community members and a diverse group of stakeholders worked together to identify and agree upon sites along the Oregon coast where marine reserves could be established for conservation and scientific research, while minimizing adverse social and economic impacts.

In 2012, Otter Rock became one of the first two marine reserves implemented. Despite being the smallest marine reserve at 1.2 square miles, Otter Rock Marine Reserve has a rich diversity of marine life and provides many opportunities for scientific research, public outreach and education, and community engagement programs.

Today, there are five marine reserves along the Oregon coast managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). With scientific collaborators, ODFW is studying how the protections within each reserve are benefitting the surrounding ecosystems and communities. At Otter Rock Marine Reserve, scientific researchers use scuba surveys and underwater cameras to collect data. They also collect data in the unprotected ocean off nearby Cape Foulweather to compare how conditions and ecosystems are changing over time, inside and outside the reserve.

Globally, marine reserves have proven to be an effective tool for coastal conservation. Research has shown that no-take regulations within marine reserves consistently result in increases in the population of species, the number of different species present, and individual size of fish. Marine reserves also provide scientists with a framework to monitor coastal ecosystems and study how they are changing in response to human pressures and environmental changes.

Stewardship at Otter Rock Marine Reserve

Oregon’s marine reserves are a huge step forward for coastal conservation. Although marine ecosystems are resilient, our nearshore is susceptible to the stress of human activity that we can all work together to minimize. It is important that we become good stewards of natural areas for future generations and so that wildlife can thrive.

Stewardship and Safety Tips

• Observe all posted signs and stay behind fences at the Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area.
• Enjoy watching birds and wildlife through binoculars and long lenses.
• Launching drones is prohibited at Otter Rock to protect nesting seabirds.
• Watch wildlife from a distance and do not approach birds or harbor seals on the beach. To report a stranded or injured animal, call the Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at (866) 767-6114.
• Leave no trace when visiting beaches and state parks. Be sure to take your trash and belongings with you. Trash cans are provided in convenient locations throughout state parks.
• Participate in community beach clean-ups and get involved in local community science projects.
• Follow tide pool etiquette indicated on beach signs when exploring the Marine Gardens. Step carefully and leave organisms in their habitat.
• Keep dogs on leash or within voice command to minimize disturbance to migrating and nesting birds.
• Stay safe! Check tide tables before exploring the intertidal zone. Never turn your back on the ocean and stay alert for possible sneaker waves.
• Sandstone is fragile and subject to erosion. Admire the unique geology of the Otter Rock Marine Reserve area, but please do not climb on the cliffs.