| Jun 23 2012 -- Aug 30 2012 ‘Un-Wanted Ad’ Posted for Tsunami-Borne Invader |
  Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida)
As “wakame,” it is a highly valued edible species in Japan, where it is cultivated. But as Undaria pinnatifida, its scientific name, this kelp is known outside its native range as a highly invasive species that can drastically disrupt ecosystems where it is an intruder. It has already invaded the West Coast as far north as San Francisco Bay, and scientists concerned about protecting native ecosystems have been watching anxiously to see if it would spread further. It appears that the Undaria found aboard the dock was successfully intercepted and destroyed, but the incident is a reminder that tsunami debris may come freighted with invasive species.
Dr. Hansen, who also happens to be a CoastWatcher, has prepared a special handout showing beachcombers what to look for and giving suggestions for handling suspected Undaria. CoastWatchers can help by making an effort to observe carefully for “wakame” washing up with debris or establishing itself in newly disturbed areas. If you believe you have spotted this species, follow the steps she advises and report the finding to beach.debris@state.or.us.
Gayle Hansen would also appreciate being contacted about any confirmed or likely encounters with this species: (541) 867-5012 (lab phone), or e-mail.
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MORE NEWS... |
Jun 11 2011 -- Learn About NOAA in Newport This Saturday
The arrival of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration�s Marine Operations Center in Newport remains one of the coast�s big stories of the past couple of years. This Saturday, June 11, the public will be given a chance to learn more about what NOAA will be up to in Newport. The new center will expand NOAA activities in Oregon, but NOAA researchers have been based at the ... MORE |
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May 24 2011 -- Jun 11 2011 NOAA Introduces Itself with Talks on Research
With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) moving the base of its Pacific fleet to Newport this year, the Hatfield Marine Science Center is hosting a series of public presentations introducing the ships and scientific work of the NOAA Marine Operations Center. The series, entitled “Seagoing Partnerships: Current Ship-based Research in the Pacific Ocean” will offer its third ... MORE |
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Aug 5 2009 -- Sep 5 2009 Newport to be NOAA's New Pacific Home Port
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has chosen Newport as the new home base for its Pacific fleet. Currently the fleet is housed at Lake Union, Washington. Pending the signing of a lease with Port of Newport officials, the move will take place in July of 2011. Oregon Shores is delighted that Newport will be the new home of NOAA's Marine Operations Center. This will change ... MORE |
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Jun 30 2009 -- Jul 31 2007 Port of Newport Unsuccessful in Applying for ARRA Funds
Unfortunately, the Port of Newport did not receive the stimulus funds it had requested for removing the two WWII-era ships from Yaquina Bay. This throws the Port back onto its own resources from its bond measure for completing the necessary environmental remediation. The Port and the regulatory agencies are currently seeking other funding or means to remove both ships and build a smaller dock ... MORE |
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May 9 2009 -- Jun 29 2009 Port of Newport Applies for Stimulus Funds for Bay Project
Winds of change are blowing over the Port of Newport. Oregon Shores and concerned local residents have been opposing the Port of Newport's proposal to leave two old sunken barges in place and festoon them with more concrete in order to build a super-cargo dock. This ill-considered proposal was foundering as the regulatory and permitting agencies looked askance at the loss the proposal would ... MORE |
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Apr 1 2009 -- Apr 28 2009 Governor replies to Oregon Shores, Friends of Yaquina Bay
Governor Kulongoski has responded to the concerns about the Port of Newport detailed by Oregon Shores, in collaboration with Friends of Yaquina Bay. The Governor agreed with our recommendation for an independent visioning process to chart the future of Yaquina Bay. His office is also concerned about the allegations of poor management and misfeasance at the Port that public documents reveal. ... MORE |
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Mar 16 2009 -- Apr 28 2009 Audits Division Scolds OECDD over Port of Newport Grant
The Audits Division of the Secretary of State's office recently released a letter criticizing the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD) for its oversight on a $17,500 grant it gave to the Port of Newport in 2006. The Port of Newport used all or part of the grant to improperly advocate for the $15 million bond measure the Port wanted to get passed for its Terminal Project. ... MORE |
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Jan 30 2009 -- Mar 30 2009 Port of Newport Considering Limited Environmental Remediation
The Port of Newport encompasses the waters of beautiful Yaquina Bay on the coast. It is one of the three coastal estuaries zoned by the state Land Conservation and Development Commission as a "deep-draft development" estuary (the other two are Coos Bay and the Columbia River). The zoning is based on having a maintained jetty and dredging of the main channel to a depth of more than 22 feet. In ... MORE |
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Nov 25 2008 -- Jan 7 2009 Port of Newport Considering Limited Environmental Remediation
The Port of Newport encompasses the waters of beautiful Yaquina Bay on the coast. It is one of the three coastal estuaries zoned by the state Land Conservation and Development Commission as a "deep-draft development" estuary (the other two are Coos Bay and the Columbia River). The zoning is based on having a maintained jetty and dredging of the main channel to a depth of more than 22 feet. In ... MORE |
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Feb 7 2006 -- Feb 7 2008 Shipbreaking in Yaquina Bay
The Port of Newport could have a major new tenant early in 2006 with the arrival of Bay Bridge Enterprises LLC., a marine salvage recycler based in Chesapeake, Virginia. According to the November 18 story by Gail Kimberling of the News-Times, the Port of Newport would lease Port facilities at the Port's International Terminal, which is less than a mile east of the Hatfield Marine Science Center ... MORE |
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