Charleston fishermen hope to continue conversation with Governor

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By Britt Carlson

Story Published: Nov 5, 2007 at 5:57 PM PST

Charleston- Local fishermen are happy to see communication with the Governor flourishing, but they believe there's still many issues to address over wave energy projects and marine reserves.

Dialog between Oregon fishing industry representatives and the Governor officially started last week with an informal meeting in Salem.

Fisherman Jeff Reeves attended the meeting and expressed his opinions, but he still believes there's much more to discuss.

"We'll hope to get the Governor to understand that it would impact industry, coastal communities. We're already having a tough time making it, but we'd like to change his mind on that and at least lessen the impacts."

Governor Ted Kulongoski has asked FERC to limit the number of wave parks and marine reserves, but Charleston doesn't want to see any in the area.

Reeves says even one would displace crabbing and fishing grounds creating a domino effect down the coast.

"We didn't feel that we could handle anymore restrictions, we face them every year it just seems like there's more added on. The folks from Charleston didn't wish to have any restrictions, they're not interested in wave energy or marine reserves."

However, representatives from Port Orford are supportive of marine reserves because the studies may help increase the number of available species to fish.

The Governor also promised to send his chief of staff to the south coast to continue the conversation.

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