The issue of marine reserves is getting more interest from coastal residents and lawmakers as the Ocean Policy Advisory Council continues its work on the issue.

At the same time, the concept of wave energy parks in the ocean is making ripples among the fishing industry.

Several hearings and meetings will be held locally and in Salem to help inform residents and lawmakers about the issues.

* Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee, 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 16, Room HR B at the Capitol in Salem: informational meeting on marine reserves; invited guests include Jane Lubchenco, Oregon State University; Ed Bowles or Patty Burke, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; and Louise Solliday, Department of State Lands. For more information, those interested can call the committee office at (503) 986-1751.

* Port of Umpqua regular meeting, 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16, Port of Umpqua office, 364 N. Fourth St., Reedsport: regular meeting, with an update about the Winchester Bay wave energy project. For more information, those interested can call the port at (541) 271-2232.

* Port Orford Ocean Resources Team panel discussion, 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24, at Port Orford City Hall: invited speakers include representatives from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Gov. Kulongoski’s Natural Resources Office, the Port Orford fishing fleet, the scientific community and the environmental community about marine reserves. For more information, those interested can call POORT at (541) 332-0627.

* Governor’s office fact-finding meetings, 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, at Florence City Hall, 250 Highway 101; 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, at Port of Umpqua offices, 364 N. Fourth St., Reedsport; 9 a.m., Gold Beach City Hall, 29592 Ellensburg Ave.; 11:30 a.m., Port Orford Ocean Resources Team lunch meeting (closed to the public); 2 p.m. coffee with Coos County Commissioner John Griffith (closed to the public); and 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18, at the North Bend Public Library;  Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s Chief of Staff, Chip Terhune, will visit the coast to talk with coastal residents and the fishing industry about marine reserves and wave energy.

* Oregon International Port of Coos Bay, 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16, at the Power Squadron in Charleston: The port has invited representatives of Ocean Power Technologies to talk with local fishermen about a proposed wave energy park off the North Spit. For more information, those interested can call the port at 267-7678.

* Oregon International Port of Coos Bay, 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, at Coos Bay City Hall Council Chambers, 500 Central Ave.: Representatives of Ocean Power Technologies will make a presentation to port commissioners about a proposed wave energy park off the North Spit. For more information, those interested can call the port at 267-7678.

— Susan Chambers, staff writer