The spirit of exploration is alive and well in Oregon. Only now, it’s underwater. Oregon’s five marine reserve sites are areas in the ocean dedicated to conservation and scientific research. In the reserves all ocean development and removal of marine life is prohibited. Management and scientific monitoring of the sites is overseen by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).

5 Sites:  Learn about what a marine reserve is, where they are, and why we have marine reserves. We invite you to explore the Cape Falcon, Cascade Head, Otter Rock, Cape Perpetua, and Redfish Rocks sites and discover what lies beneath the surface.

For a state famous for exploration, we’ve only skimmed the surface of our ocean waters. Join us, as we study these areas and learn how to best maintain Oregon’s nearshore ocean resources. There’s a lot more of Oregon to explore.

See What’s New

The Nearshore Ecology Program 2025 Year in Review features highlights from Oregon’s marine reserves including trends in fish abundance in the Cape Falcon, increasing sea star density in Cascade Head, adapting SCUBA surveys to strengthen datasets in Otter Rock, monitoring ocean conditions to understand change in Cape Perpetua, increases in fish catch at Redfish Rocks, and more!     Read More →

Check out the Get Involved page to learn more about volunteer opportunities and events GO →
Browse the Reserves News posts and explore research, activities, and discoveries at the reserves GO →