Monterey Bay, Southern Oregon Coast, and San Juan Islands 2011
Preserving Special Places
Important Ecological Areas (IEAs) are ocean hotspots critical to maintaining ecosystem health.
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Overview
In the summer of 2011, Oceana led a series of research expeditions using a remotely operated vehicle to explore Important Ecological Areas in Monterey Bay, California, off the southern Oregon coast, and off the Olympic Coast of Washington state.
IEAs off the West Coast include places like migration routes, sensitive seafloor habitats, breeding and spawning areas, nursery areas for young fish and wildlife, and foraging areas.
High definition video cameras captured never-before-seen seafloor habitats and amazing biological communities supporting Oceana’s efforts to protect key ocean hotspots.
The expedition identified and characterized seafloor habitats in each of the three regions to educate the public about the splendor of ocean habitats, document recently protected habitats, and inform management decisions on existing and future ocean protection efforts.
Videos
In the News
Source: Yes! Magazine
July 7, 2011
Video: Oceana explores ocean floor off Oregon coast
Source: The Oregonian
June 29, 2011
Environmental group explores marine reserve sites
Source: The World
June 21, 2011
Exploring Deep Ocean Waters
Source: KLCC Eugene Oregon NPR
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