June 17, 2011

I’d like to give everyone a brief update of my Oregon Sea Grant Legislative Fellowship, now that the 2011 Legislative session appears to be winding down. It covers the period from April 26, 2011 to June 16, 2011.

Things have been in a pretty constant state of flux since the last update I provided. The main focus of my efforts has been HB 2009, which would implement a series of marine reserves, is currently locked in end-of-session negotiations. Essentially, the bill is being used as a bargaining chip between legislators in various leadership positions. It remains to be seen whether the bill will pass this legislative session.

A bill of particular concern to the Coastal Caucus, SB 736, was left to be debated in the next session. The bill would have banned gillnetting on the lower Columbia River, essentially ending the livelihoods of many fishermen on Oregon’s coast.

My primary duties to this point have included:

• Planning and organizing weekly Coastal Caucus meetings, including generating topics of discussion, arranging invited guests, and preparing agendas.

• Participating in a discussion with representatives from state agencies, the governor’s office, and interested stakeholders re: how to proceed with implementing marine reserves if HB 2009 does not pass this session.

• Collaborating with lobbyists and interested stakeholders to ensure that Oregon’s commercial fishermen continue to have a viable livelihood.

• Facilitating smooth and open lines of communication among members of the Coastal Caucus, to make sure that they stay apprised of issues that may be of concern to them as a group.

All in all, it has been a tremendous experience so far, and I greatly appreciate the opportunity provided to me!