The Oregon Coast Rocks! ~ Cape Foulweather
|
|
Named by Captain Cook on his voyage to the north Pacific in 1778, Cape Foulweather rises 500 feet above the
ocean, providing sweeping views from Yaquina Lighthouse in the south to Cascade Head in the north. If you stand
at the scenic viewpoint on a sunny summer day, you are likely to see gray whales cavorting and feeding in the
kelp beds offshore, seabirds resting on the Cape’s sheer cliffs, and waves rushing on to the rocks below.
You’ll feel the wind in your face and your lungs will fill with the freshest of air.
Nowhere is the wild spirit of the Central Oregon Coast captured better than at Cape Foulweather. Today we have
the opportunity to preserve this special place for our families and friends to enjoy in the future.
|
|
|
By designating Cape Foulweather’s rocky habitat and offshore natural resources as a Marine Conservation Area,
we can:
|
- Protect nesting habitat for the iconic Black Oystercatcher and other seabirds, including Pigeon Guillemots,
Brandt’s Cormorants, and the largest colony of Pelagic Cormorants on the Oregon coast.
.jpg)
Photo: Nancy Bailey
- Restore and maintain the health of our kelp forests. They are nurseries for many fish species upon which our
commercial and recreational fisheries depend. Kelp helps mitigate climate change by storing carbon and provides
nourishment for gray whales and seabirds. Like our coastal rainforests, a kelp forest is one of the most
productive ecosystems on Earth
.png)
Bull Kelp Forest, Photo: Sarah Hamilton
- Provide residents and visitors alike with appropriate access to this special place and encourage involvement
in the management and stewardship of our coastline and its natural resources.
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife talks with citizens, photo Oregon Marine Reserves
|
- Create opportunities for the thousands of visitors to Cape Foulweather each year to learn more about
the area’s natural resources – and how to enjoy them safely and responsibly.
.jpg)
Photo: Casey Bruner
- Educate boaters and drone enthusiasts about methods to avoid disturbing seabird colonies
to avoid catastrophic nest failure.
- And, perhaps most importantly, preserve Cape Foulweather in its natural state for all of us to
enjoy and appreciate, in fair weather – and foul.
|
|
|
MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
We are proposing no change to coastwide commercial and recreational fish harvest regulations.
The harvest of clams, Dungeness crab, red rock crab, mussels, piddocks, scallops, squid, and shrimp
will remain open. The proposal does not restrict boat access and anchorage.
|
The proposed Marine Conservation Area will extend from the Whale Cove Habitat Refuge south to the Otter Crest
Marine Garden and will include nearshore kelp beds.
Learn how you can TAKE ACTION to protect our rocky coast.
|
IMPORTANT LINKS
|
The Oregon Coast Rocks!
The Oregon Coast Rocks! printable flyer [PDF]
Managing our Rocky Coast [PDF]
Frequently Asked Questions
|
Cape Foulweather
Cape Foulweather information sheet
Cape Foulweather: Not a Foul View (essay)
Cape Foulweather printable flyer [PDF]
Cape Lookout
Cape Lookout information sheet
Looking out for Cape Lookout (essay)
Cape Lookout printable flyer [PDF]
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
|
Five reasons to protect rocky habitats [PDF]
Five reasons to protect kelp [PDF]
Birds that rely on our Coastal Habitats
|
Oregon Ocean Information: Rocky Habitat Management Strategy
The Oregon Nearshore Strategy
Citizen's Guide to Oregon's Coastal Management Program
|
-3154.jpg)
-3157.jpg)