Oregon Coordinating Council on Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia

 
 
 

The Oregon Coordinating Council on Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia (OAH Council) was convened by Senate Bill 1039 in 2017, which specified the 13 seats and representation of Oregon interests on the Council. This diverse body, with its 2022 OAH Report, has completed three biennial Reports to the Legislature and the first Oregon OAH Action Plan since 2018. The OAH Council members serve on a voluntary appointment that bring together unique experiences and expertise to facilitate collaboration, inclusion, and diversity in the Council’s ongoing work. These members join from state agencies, universities, federal programs, industry representatives, Tribal governments, non-government organizations, and the Governor’s office. During the past two years, the Council welcomed a new Council co-chair and seven new members. The Council’s achievements continue to propel their efforts in building momentum for continued action and support as they continue moving forward under the Council’s guiding Principles: understand, recommend, and implement.  


On June 22, 2021, the Oregon legislature passed House Bill (HB) 3114, representing a historic investment in Oregon’s efforts to combat ocean acidification and hypoxia. With some direct appropriations to existing work groups at Oregon State University and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the bulk of the $1.9 million, one-time investment, was distributed through competitive grants led by the Oregon Ocean Science Trust (OOST). This was the first OOST “request for proposals” or RFP process, since the Trust was created by the legislature in 2013. All projects funded by the legislation were identified in the 2019-2025 Oregon OAH Action Plan.

On April 14, 2023, progress from all HB3114 projects were presented at a first annual Oregon OAH Symposium. With over 80 stakeholders, resource managers, journalists, and invested members of the public in attendance, this event was a great step in spreading awareness and interest in ocean change. A recording of the Symposium is available on YouTube.

For more information on the RFP process, visit the OOST website


Resources - learn more about OAH

OAH Council Members and Staff – list of 13 members with their representation and Council staff 

Meeting Information– includes dates, agendas, minutes, recordings

Council Information – learn about the OAH Council and its work

Stay Updated – how to subscribe to email lists that will keep you informed of the OAH Council and other ocean policy issues in Oregon

2022 Biennial OAH Council Report

The Oregon Coordinating Council on Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia are excited to announce the release of our third Biennial Report to the Oregon Legislature and the Oregon Ocean Policy Advisory Council.  

Read more: 2022 Biennial OAH Council Report

Learn More About OAH

Ocean acidification and hypoxia (OAH) 

OAH is a change in ocean chemistry that is happening right here right now. And, it is occurring at a faster rate than originally predicted. This phenomena has the potential to have profound impacts on living marine resources. Unfortunately, Oregon has the dubious honor of being the locale that first documented these impacts. In 2007, the Whiskey Creek Shellfish Hatchery had a massive hatchery failure due to acidic oceanic conditions (see the Case Study below).

Visit the Ocean Acidification International Coordination Centers website for OA related news.

 

 

Read more: Learn More About OAH

Public Resources

Area of the OAH website designated for the organization and dissemination of information for the public related to OAH.  

Resources

Resources on the topic of Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia (OAH).