ODFW release - NEWPORT, Ore. – New research from Oregon's south coast highlights the positive economic impact of science and tourism within Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve. The study quantifies the number of jobs supported and income generated by these activities, providing important data for the local Port Orford community, policymakers, conservation practitioners, and other stakeholders. This research provides insights into how managed no-take marine reserves can provide economic benefits to coastal communities. The research was conducted by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Marine Reserves team in collaboration with an Oregon Sea Grant Natural Resource Policy Fellow and Sea & Shore Solutions. The analysis involved interviews with scientists and tour operators. They used this data in an input-output (I-O) economic model. This I-O model captured not only the direct economic effects, but also the indirect and induced impacts throughout the regional economy. From 2022-2024, the study found that research, planning, management and tourism at Redfish Rocks marine reserve supported an estimated total economic impact of approximately $982k and 20 jobs including: $177k of income and 5 jobs at the local Curry County level; $435k of income and 8 jobs at the seven-county coast economy level; $228k of income and 4 jobs at the state level. Dr. Sarah Klain, an author of the report and former ODFW social scientist, said, "Setting aside ocean areas for science and monitoring, but not fishing, can be a tough sell for fishermen. There aren't fish harvested and sold from this marine reserve, but the spending associated with research projects and tourism have ripple effects on jobs and income for the local and regional economy. Port Orford's a small place, so showing that the reserve provides a few jobs and some income matters." The findings are relevant for understanding the broader value of marine reserves beyond their ecological benefits. By illustrating the ripple effects captured in this study, the analysis aims to equip local and regional government agencies, conservation organizations, fishermen and community groups with robust data to inform policy decisions, secure funding, and promote public awareness of the multifaceted benefits of Oregon's marine reserves. Katy Bear Nalven, Sea & Shore Solutions Project Coordinator and study co-author, notes, "This research is a powerful example of how Oregon's Marine Reserves are advancing our understanding of the social and economic impacts of protected marine areas. The work being done here offers valuable lessons that marine protected areas around the world can learn from and apply to their own conservation efforts." Study advisor Shannon Davis from The Research Group, Corvallis Oregon noted, "The report provides useful information about how money makes its way to businesses and household incomes as a result of marine reserve related activities. This study paves the way for future analysis to continue to better understand the social and economic impacts of Oregon's marine reserves." About Input-Output Analysis: Input-output analysis is a quantitative economic technique that examines interdependencies across different sectors of an economy. It tracks how changes in demand in one sector can lead to direct, indirect, and induced economic effects throughout other sectors. It helps provide a comprehensive understanding of economic impacts. About Oregon's Marine Reserves: Oregon's marine reserves conserve marine habitats and biodiversity, provide sites for scientific research, and were designed to avoid significant adverse social and economic impacts on ocean users and coastal communities. Managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, these five sites, including Redfish Rocks, represent diverse marine ecosystems along the Oregon coast.