About
Fogarty Creek is a designated Marine Conservation Area
Marine Conservation Area regulatory restrictions vary by site. Fogarty Creek is designated as such to educate, monitor, and apply ecosystem-based management to conserve the full diversity of species and ecological structure of the rocky habitat species facing effects of changing climate. No take of shellfish and other invertebrates in the intertidal or subtidal zones. No take of fish from a boat.
Features
Key Resources
Rich and diverse intertidal habitat (primarily to the south of the accessible areas adjacent to the park) and a harbor seal haulout area.
Site Uses
Typical recreational uses include picnicking, beachcombing, bird watching, and tidepooling. For the part of Fogarty Creek that is a research reserve, collection of intertidal shellfish and invertebrates is limited (see current ODFW fishing regulations for a list of species and exact boundaries), except by scientific permit.
Access
Primary public access is via Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area, which is a day-use fee ($3/day) park located just north of Depoe Bay, in Lincoln County, Oregon.
Management
Site Management
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) manages Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area (SRA) and the ocean shore recreation area. Fogarty Creek SRA is part of OPRD Area 1 and is in the Beverley Beach management unit.
Fogarty Creek was designated as a Marine Conservation Area in 2024. The original site proposal can be found here: Fogarty Creek Marine Conservation Area Site Proposal, 2020.
Regulations
No take of shellfish and other invertebrates in the intertidal or subtidal zone. No take of fish from boat.
Ownership
- Submerged and intertidal lands: Department of State Lands;
- Beach: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD);
- Offshore rocks above MHW: the US Fish and Wildlife Service;
- The upland is partially in private ownership (to the north and south) with OPRD owning Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area in the middle.
Management Plan
Feedback Opportunity: Rocky Habitat Site Management Planning
The Oregon Coastal Management Program is Seeking Feedback on
Rocky Habitat Management Plans
OCMP facilitated a two-part public workshop series in 2024 and 2025 to help inform the development of area-based management plans. OCMP has finished drafting the plans following the workshops in 2024 and 2025. The Plans, informed by coastal communities, will provide a framework to support activities within Marine Conservation Areas, Marine Research Areas, and Marine Gardens near Cannon Beach, Netarts, Depoe Bay, and Port Orford.
Read the Draft Plans:
- Ecola Point Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
- Chapman Point Marine Garden Management Plan
- Cape Lookout Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
- Fogarty Creek Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
- Cape Foulweather Complex Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
- Blacklock Point Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
- Cape Blanco Marine Research Area Management Plan
Your feedback is important. OCMP is especially interested in feedback on:
- Chapter 2: Site Management Strategies
- Appendix H: Recommended Implementation Actions Table
When commenting, please reference specific page numbers and section headers. You’re also welcome to suggest additional writing, graphics, images, or links that could enhance the Plan.
Email comments to: "
Mail comments to: ATTN: Andy Lanier, OCMP-DLCD, 635 Capitol St. NE, Suite 150, Salem, OR 97301-2540.
