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Long-term monitoring sites and data sets help us track and understand changes occurring in Oregon’s nearshore ocean environment. We are sampling inside the reserve and outside the reserve - at Cape Foulweather - to look at changes to the marine communities through time. Sampling Approach Although we anticipate minimal changes in the reserve compared to areas that are still fished, this is an important site for long-term data collection. These characteristics along with the relatively low fishing pressure that occurred at the site prior to closure means we will likely not see changes as a direct result from marine reserve protections - no fishing - in the reserve compared to areas still open to fishing. The Otter Rock Marine Reserve is a small - 1.2 sq mile - reserve found in shallow waters, less than 50 ft deep, with limited subtidal rock habitat. The ODFW Marine Reserves Program uses different monitoring tools tailored to each of Oregon’s marine reserves based on the reserve’s size, habitats, depths, prior fishing activities, and other unique characteristics of each reserve. Rocky habitats extend beyond the reserve. Patches of kelp beds, areas of soft bottom,Īnd sand dollar beds. Rocky intertidal habitats. Nearby towns and ports include Depoe Bay, Otter Rock, and Newport.įor more Otter Rock activities, including hikes and viewpoints, visit this activity guide to plan your trip. Three offshore islands mark the west boundary of the marine reserve. Check out tips on tidepool etiquette and viewing seals to help protect these species and special places. In and around the site visitors can explore tidepools, view seals hauled out onto the rocks, and stroll along the long sandy beach at Beverly Beach State Park. The Otter Rock Marine Reserve can be accessed through the Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area. Underwater, the reserve includes a shallow rocky reef, kelp beds, soft bottom habitats, and sand dollar beds. Common species include mussels, sea stars, sea anemones, chitons, and a wide variety of seaweeds. Rocky intertidal habitats are in the intertidal zone, a narrow band of shoreline that is covered by water during high tides and then exposed at low tides. What Makes Otter Rock Unique Click on seafloor habitat mapĪt the north end of the marine reserve you’ll find extensive rocky intertidal habitats along the shore.