Shifting Nearshore Ocean Conditions: Consequences for Oregon’s Marine Species of Greatest Conservation Need

Nearshore ocean conditions are changing along the west coast of North America. These recent shifts in ocean drivers have contributed to broad-scale impacts to marine and estuarine habitats, including unfortunate consequences for several of Oregon’s marine Species of Greatest Conservation Need. 

This talk will summarize ongoing work to characterize the status and historic changes to the complex community of bull kelp, abalone, sea urchins, and sea stars within Oregon’s rocky reef habitats. Considered together, the magnitude of ecological change is unprecedented in recorded history. Do the current communities represent a shifting baseline or “new normal” for Oregon’s rocky reef habitats? Will the community continue to respond and adapt into an alternative stable-state? Or is it possible to help enhance abalone, sea stars, and kelp to assist with recovery?
Speaker:  Dr. Steven Rumrill; Shellfish Program Leader, Marine Resources Program, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife