Friends of Otter Rock

Founded in mid-2020, Friends of Otter Rock Marine Reserve was born out of the need to bring together independent, volunteer stewardship of the Otter Rock Marine Reserve under one organization to engage more effectively with the public and stakeholders in advocacy, stewardship, and protection of Otter Rock Marine Reserve.

Friends of Otter Rock is dedicated to stewardship, community outreach, and conservation. Our mission is the protection and preservation of rocky shore intertidal life, nesting and migrating sea birds, and marine mammals that inhabit Devil’s Punch Bowl State Natural Area, Otter Rock Marine Gardens, Otter Rock Marine Reserve, and the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

Friends of Otter Rock Marine Reserve recognizes the lands of Otter Rock as part of the ancestral homelands of the Yaqo’n or Yaquina people who lived between Cape Foulweather and Beaver Creek since time immemorial. The neighbors to the north, the Tillamook peoples, named a rock formation off the coast of Devil’s Punchbowl as əs·hí·higəl  ʃə́·nʃis (us-HII-hi-gul SHUN-shis). Translated to English as Otter Rock, this formation is the namesake of the present day marine reserve. Our organization commits to respecting each tribes’ history, cultural contributions, and living descendants, including those of the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians, in our work of promoting coastal conservation. We recognize the loss of cultural and ecological richness through colonization and overexploitation, and work in support of the indigenous people who continue to steward these coastal lands today.

Check out Friends of Otter Rock website.

FoOR x ORMR

Where Science and Stewardship Meet

At just 1.2 square miles, Otter Rock Marine Reserve is the smallest of five designated sites along the Oregon Coast where no fishing, no wildlife removal, and no ocean development are allowed.

This mini yet mighty marine reserve provides a unique and nutrient-rich habitat in which an amazing mosaic of wildlife thrives. Take a tour with us and hear how Otter Rock Marine Reserve contributes a wealth of value to scientific research, the economy, and conservation efforts.

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Otter Rock Marine Reserve

The Otter Rock Marine Reserve (ORMR) is Oregon’s smallest marine reserve at 1.2 square miles. It is one of only two marine reserve sites that has canopy forming kelp beds.

BENEATH THE SURFACE

Emergent rocks and islands are another prominent feature of the ORMR. At the north end of the marine reserve you’ll find extensive rocky intertidal habitats along the shore. Rocky intertidal habitats are in the intertidal zone, a narrow band of shoreline that is covered by water during high tides and then exposed at low tides. Common species include mussels, sea stars, sea anemones, chitons, and a wide variety of seaweeds. Underwater, the reserve includes a shallow rocky reef, kelp beds, soft bottom habitats, and sand dollar beds.

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

LOCATION AND SIZE

The Otter Rock Marine Reserve (ORMR) is located off the central Oregon coast, near the unincorporated town of Otter Rock.

Size: 1.2mi2, Depth range: 0-59ft

VISITING

The Otter Rock Marine Reserve can be accessed through the Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area. In and around the site visitors can explore tidepools, view seals hauled out onto the rocks, and stroll along the long sandy beach at Beverly Beach State Park. Check out tips on tidepool etiquette and viewing seals to help protect these species and special places. Three offshore islands mark the west boundary of the marine reserve. Nearby towns and ports include Depoe Bay, Otter Rock, and Newport.

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.

Baseline monitoring began at Otter Rock Marine Reserve began in 2010. Harvest restrictions began in 2012.

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

  • Become a volunteer or contribute to community science, find additional resources here.

  • Yes see how to participate here.

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