South Oregon Coast's Redfish Rock Marine Reserve Is Giving Back Economically, Study Shows

Published 10/09/25 at 9:25 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Port Orford, Oregon) – Back in 2012, parts of the Oregon coast were closed off to fishing and other kinds of seafood harvesting to create marine protection areas – or the marine reserves. Among them was a five-square-mile section of south coast just south of Port Orford. (Photo of Humbug Mountain at the Reserve - Manuela Durson - Manuela Durson Fine Arts)

Now, a new study from the area shows that science and tourism activities at Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve are generating significant economic benefits for the region. Conducted by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife in collaboration with Sea & Shore Solutions and an Oregon Sea Grant fellow, the research highlights how no-take marine reserves can support jobs and income in coastal communities.

Using input-output economic modeling and interviews with scientists and tour operators, the study tracked direct, indirect, and induced impacts from 2022 to 2024. The findings show that Redfish Rocks-related activities supported approximately $982,000 in economic output and 20 jobs across multiple levels.

- Curry County saw $177,000 in income and 5 jobs
- The seven-county coastal region saw $435,000 in income and 8 jobs
- The state level saw $228,000 in income and 4 jobs

Dr. Sarah Klain, a former ODFW social scientist and co-author of the report, noted that while the reserve doesn’t generate revenue from fishing, the spending tied to research and tourism has meaningful ripple effects.

Photo of Humbug Mountain at the Reserve - Manuela Durson - Manuela Durson Fine Arts

“Port Orford’s a small place, so showing that the reserve provides a few jobs and some income matters,” she said.

Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve was established to protect a diverse array of habitats and species, including groundfish and sea urchins that were heavily fished prior to the reserve’s creation. These days, it serves as a hub for scientific monitoring and eco-tourism, drawing visitors and researchers to its scenic waters and rugged reef structures.

Read the full report at this link.

Katy Bear Nalven, Sea & Shore Solutions Project Coordinator, said the findings show how the Oregon's coastal marine reserves are “advancing our understanding of the social and economic impacts of protected marine areas.”

Shannon Davis of The Research Group in Corvallis added that the report offers a clear picture of how marine reserve-related spending flows through local businesses and households.

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“This study paves the way for future analysis to continue to better understand the social and economic impacts of Oregon's marine reserves,” Davis said.

Oregon’s five marine reserves, including Redfish Rocks, are managed by ODFW to conserve biodiversity, support scientific research, and minimize disruption to traditional ocean uses. The others are at small areas at Cape Falcon (near Manzanita), Cascade Head (Lincoln City and Neskowin), Otter Rock (near Depoe Bay), and Cape Perpetua near Yachats. This latest study underscores how thoughtful marine management can benefit both ecosystems and economies.

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