Changes Over Time in Resident Perceptions of Marine Reserves in Oregon

Identification Information

Citation

Originator: Needham, Mark D., Lori A. Cramer, and Kristen McAlpine

Publish Date: 2022

Online Link: None

BPA Project #:

Contact Information

Agency: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Name: Lindsay Aylesworth

Job Position: Marine Reserves Program Leader

Telephone: 541-867-4741

E-Mail Address: lindsay.x.aylesworth@odfw.oregon.gov

Description

Abstract: In 2012, the State of Oregon designated five marine reserves in its waters (Otter Rock, Redfish Rocks, Cape Falcon, Cape Perpetua, Cascade Head) to advance scientific research, assess impacts of reserve implementation, and conserve habitats and biodiversity. Studies have examined biological issues and impacts associated with these reserves. Early evaluations of social and economic impacts, however, mainly involved information from community evaluation teams consisting of small groups of stakeholders (e.g., commercial anglers, conservation groups, watershed councils, scientists). Additional data for initially evaluating social and economic impacts of these reserves were collected from town hall meetings with select residents, questionnaires given to specific industries or interest groups (e.g., commercial and recreational anglers), and other observational data. Taken together, these early efforts involved economic stakeholders and vocal residents thought to be most directly affected by the reserves. What was lacking, however, was a comprehensive, systematic, and representative assessment of resident perceptions of these marine reserves. Scientifically grounded random and representative samples of residents are required for generalizing information beyond select stakeholders. This project, therefore, addressed this knowledge gap by utilizing representative samples of residents (i.e., the voting public): (a) along the Oregon coast in 2013 (Phase 1; Needham et al., 2013), (b) in the most heavily populated region of Oregon in 2016 (Portland to Ashland between the Coast and Cascade Mountain Ranges [I-5 corridor]; Phase 2; Needham et al., 2016a), and (c) in both of these same regions again in 2021 to detect any possible changes over time (Phase 3). The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is responsible for overseeing management and monitoring of these marine reserves, and pursuant to this mandate, the purpose of this project was to continue socioeconomic monitoring by developing a profile of state resident knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding this reserve system over time. Project objectives were to understand resident: • Awareness about these marine reserves and sources of information for learning about the areas. • Knowledge of the characteristics, benefits, and constraints of these marine reserves. • Attitudes of support and opposition toward these reserves (i.e., favor, disfavor, like, dislike). • Perceptions about the future effectiveness of these reserves in meeting management goals. • Activities that residents believe should and should not be allowed to occur in these reserves. • Behaviors in response to these reserves and how residents may change their use of these areas in the future (e.g., increase or displace any visitation / recreation use). • Sociodemographic characteristics.

Purpose:

Time Period of Content: 2013; 2016; 2021

Geographic Extent: Oregon

Status: Final

Use Constraints: Prepared for Oregon Dept. Fish and Wildlife by Oregon State University, Dept. Forest Ecosystems and Society; and Natural Resources, Tourism, and Recreation Studies Lab (NATURE)

Format: PDF

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Is a physical copy maintained for reference at Headquarters? Unknown