PROTECTING YAQUINA BAY’S VITAL NATURAL RESOURCES
Yaquina Bay
Home to the state’s largest commercial fishing fleet and the Pacific Northwest's leading marine science outpost (Hatfield Marine Science Center), the Yaquina Bay estuary has a fundamental place in the environment of the central Oregon coast. Planning for the future of Yaquina Bay is essential to sustain Oregon’s coastal economy, dependent on the area's rich natural resources and estuarine ecosystem.
Novel Estuary Plan Update
Yaquina Bay is a vibrant estuary, full of life. From Chinook Salmon to Orcas to sunflower sea stars, the estuary supports biodiversity and serves an important role in the life history of many vital and threatened species. Now is the time to help prepare this estuary, and the surrounding community, for the impacts of climate change and enhance the health of the bay and watershed.
The Yaquina Bay Estuary Management plan (YBEMP) is the first EMP in the state to undergo a comprehensive update in over 40 years. The plan update was a collaborative effort involving stakeholders, scientists, managers, ports, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. Public comment was also taken and incorporated.
This update of the Yaquina Bay Estuary Management Plan (YBEMP) is of double significance. Not only will it inform management of one of the state’s most economically and ecologically important estuaries, but the update process was used as a pilot for the development of a statewide “guidance document” that the Department of Land Conservation and Development’s Coastal Management Program will use to inform future updates for all of the state’s estuaries.
Plan Adoption Next
Drafting of the Yaquina Bay EMP update wrapped up in June of 2023 after years of planning, followed by a public comment period. Now, the plan is up for adoption.
The City of Newport adopted the new plan into the city’s Comprehensive Plan in October 2024. The city council also signed a resolution committing to future climate planning for Yaquina Bay.
To make the plan enforceable across the estuary, the city of Toledo and Lincoln County must also adopt the plan. This future adoption process ( likely in 2025) will include a series of public hearings before the city council and county commissioners, giving community members opportunities to comment. Public input will be vital during this adoption process to ensure the final Yaquina Bay EMP is as robust as possible.
Empowering Communities
Oregon Shores played a role on the Advisory Group for the planning team and provided comments every step of the way. Throughout the planning process, we advocated for increased public participation. We also disseminated information about technical elements of the plan to help community members provide meaningful input during public comment periods.
We are committed to continuing to pave the way for widespread public engagement in planning for the Yaquina Bay.
Oregon Shores is also supporting Estuary Resilience Action Planning efforts for Lincoln county, led by the Department of Land Conservation and Development. Throughout November, the public is invited to participate in climate planning. Local perspectives are critical to ensure these plans benefit the community, so we encourage you to participate!
Moving Forward
A New Era of Responsible Use
The Yaquina Bay EMP update was greatly needed and we support many of the changes made. When adopted, this will be the first Estuary Management Plan in Oregon to integrate language about climate change and develop a Climate Vulnerabilities Impact Assessment to inform planners and the public on how climate hazards will impact new projects. The plan is now more user-friendly, and includes digitized maps. It also increased protection of recently restored wetlands.
However, we believe further planning is needed to adequately protect Yaquina Bay and prepare communities and critical habitats for the impacts of climate change. Now that this pilot update has been completed, we will advocate for further climate planning to address habitat migration, endangered species, impaired water quality, and restoration in the years to come.
We need your help to make this happen; if you want to get involved, contact us.
Join us in our mission to protect Oregon’s estuaries.
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