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