COOS BAY — Charleston has had enough.

Some of the businesses have had it “up to here” with an Our Ocean proposal to place a marine reserve off the coast, between Cape Arago and Whisky Run. It’s one of a network of eight reserves suggested by the group.

Our Ocean proposed the no-take reserve before the Sept. 30 deadline, but without input from Charleston-area fishermen and businesses — and they have the most to lose, said Betty Kay Charters owner Margery Whitmer.

Under guidelines established by the Ocean Policy Advisory Council and the state, groups or individuals suggesting areas off-limits to fishing and other activities must collaborate with local communities.

Our Ocean didn’t do that, Whitmer said. Now most of Charleston’s businesses have petitions against the reserve. Other businesses in Coos Bay and North Bend also have the petitions, which read:

“We, the undersigned, request that the area of Oregon territorial sea from Cape Arago to Whisky Run beach not be nominated or proposed as a marine reserve on any list which leaves the OPAC meetings,” the petition says.

“A marine reserve at Cape Arago would cause a severe negative impact to our economy in Charleston, Coos Bay, North Bend and points beyond.

“In the future, a site may be proposed by the local community, but not at this time.”

Whitmer said some businesses also are sending letters directly to the ocean advisory council.

“We want plenty of public record,” Whitmer said. “This is not what citizens want.”

Whitmer said anyone can sign the petitions, at any Charleston business, and the petitions will be picked up late Monday afternoon so they can be collated and delivered to OPAC on Thursday.

The Ocean Policy Advisory Council is scheduled to meet at the Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St., next week to evaluate the 20 marine reserves proposals.

The meeting starts at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife representatives will present the state agencies’ analysis of all 20 sites. In the afternoon, those who made the reserves proposals will have a chance to make public presentations about their suggestions.

The meeting will continue the next day, Friday, at 8 a.m., with all of the morning and part of the afternoon reserved for public comments. OPAC members will take a census of the council to see how members stand on the evaluation of the reserves so far.

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On the Web:

Oregon Marine Reserves:

http://www.oregonmarinereserves.net/

Ocean Policy Advisory Council:

http://www.oregon.gov/LCD/OPAC/