/saving-oregons-rocky-coast-a-jpr-special-series In this special series for ÀÏ·ò×Ó´«Ã½, reporter Kate Kaye takes us to Oregon’s rocky shores - visiting with volunteers monitoring Black Oystercatchers, researchers surveying Gray Whales and kelp, a south coast ecotour guide, a north coast crabber and more - to illuminate the challenges affecting rocky intertidal habitats, how new policy proposals seek to address them, and what they could mean for Oregonians. en-US Copyright Mon, 22 Feb 2021 18:31:50 GMT /environment-energy-and-transportation/2021-02-21/saving-oregons-rocky-coast-checking-in-on-the-sea-stars Scientists don’t know why some types of sea stars are returning to Oregon while others were hit so hard by disease they’re critically endangered. Continued research at places like Cape Blanco on Oregon’s south coast could provide insights. Mon, 22 Feb 2021 18:31:50 GMT /environment-energy-and-transportation/2021-02-21/saving-oregons-rocky-coast-checking-in-on-the-sea-stars Kate Kaye /environment-energy-and-transportation/2021-02-22/saving-oregons-rocky-coast-how-reagans-oil-push-led-to-the-oregon-way-of-coastal-habitat-protection In the ‘80s when President Ronald Reagan pushed for offshore oil, Oregon pushed back. But it turns out Reagan’s oil agenda inspired the state to create policy to protect its shores. Mon, 22 Feb 2021 18:30:25 GMT /environment-energy-and-transportation/2021-02-22/saving-oregons-rocky-coast-how-reagans-oil-push-led-to-the-oregon-way-of-coastal-habitat-protection Kate Kaye /environment-energy-and-transportation/2021-02-22/saving-oregons-rocky-coast-can-we-stem-the-loss-of-complex-kelp-ecosystems Kelp’s leaves and stems grow in coastal waters, sheltering all sorts of organisms – even tiny shrimp eaten by whales. But kelp has been depleted on parts of the Pacific coast. Now, proposals to update Oregon’s policy for its rocky shores aim to replenish those kelp forests. Mon, 22 Feb 2021 17:14:40 GMT /environment-energy-and-transportation/2021-02-22/saving-oregons-rocky-coast-can-we-stem-the-loss-of-complex-kelp-ecosystems Kate Kaye /environment-energy-and-transportation/2021-02-22/saving-oregons-rocky-coast-to-help-black-oystercatchers-groups-push-for-education-and-a-few-new-rules Seen throughout Oregon’s rocky coast, Black Oystercatchers are shorebirds that nest high up on large rocks. But as more visitors flock to the coast, these birds face threats from human disturbance. Advocates think education - and in some places - new restrictions - will help. Mon, 22 Feb 2021 16:14:03 GMT /environment-energy-and-transportation/2021-02-22/saving-oregons-rocky-coast-to-help-black-oystercatchers-groups-push-for-education-and-a-few-new-rules Kate Kaye /environment-energy-and-transportation/2021-02-22/saving-oregons-rocky-coast-a-key-role-for-the-regions-first-people Natural resources in the Northwest are closely linked to tribal culture and identity. As Oregon’s ocean advisory council works with community groups to update policies for managing the rocky shores, sovereign tribal nations have special status and unique needs. Mon, 22 Feb 2021 14:27:08 GMT /environment-energy-and-transportation/2021-02-22/saving-oregons-rocky-coast-a-key-role-for-the-regions-first-people Kate Kaye