Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve (CPMR) is the only marine reserve site within the unique and highly productive oceanographic area shoreward of Heceta Bank. Heceta Bank and other nearby banks deflect the strong north-south summertime flow offshore creating an area of slowed or reversed currents in this area. As a result, the area retains nutrient-rich upwelled water, leading to higher primary production and often hypoxia water conditions.

BENEATH THE SURFACE

CPMR has diverse habitats with sand and gravel as the dominant habitat types, and including extensive stretches of rocky intertidal habitats. There is a unique and deep (> 25 m), isolated rocky reef which is home to a wide diversity of groundfish and invertebrates. Even though the reef is patchy and low relief, the fish and invertebrate community is quite diverse, with some of the most biologically diverse rocky intertidal habitats found anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. Upwelling, followed by periods of relaxation, create highly productive waters around the Cape Perpetua area. These waters are also known to experience episodes of hypoxia (low oxygen) and acidification (low pH). There is no rocky reef habitat at a similar depth, with similar oceanographic conditions and fishing pressure, anywhere in the nearby vicinity.

Take a deep dive into the marine reserve by visiting ODFW’s Marine Reserves website and perusing the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve Site Management Plan

LOCATION AND SIZE

The Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve (CPMR) is Oregon’s largest marine reserve. The site is located off the central Oregon coast stretching between the towns of Yachats and Florence. The site includes a marine reserve, two Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and a Seabird Protection Area.

Size: 23mi2, Depth Range: 0-164ft

VISITING

Visitors have many opportunities for wildlife viewing and other outdoor recreational activities in and around this area. Hike, explore tidepools, or find views overlooking the reserve at the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. Adjacent to the reserve is protected old growth coastal rainforest. This area also boasts Oregon’s highest concentration of marbled murrelets, a threatened seabird that nests in old growth trees on land. Other attractions include Sea Lion Caves, where you can view Steller sea lions, and the Heceta Head Lighthouse.

HISTORY

The process that led to Oregon’s five marine reserve sites involved multiple phases and coastal community members, ocean users, and other interested Oregonians working with state decision makers to design and site marine reserves and protected areas in locations that would provide ecological benefits while minimizing adverse social and economic impacts to ocean users and coastal communities.

In the last two decades, the nearshore waters around Cape Perpetua have been experiencing episodes of hypoxia (low oxygen) as well as acidification (a lowering of pH). These have been associated with strong summer upwelling activity and are considered signs of a changing climate and ocean conditions.

Baseline monitoring began at Otter Rock Marine Reserve began in 2012. Harvest restrictions began in 2014.

Read more about the history of Oregon’s marine reserve sites.