Geneva Miller, Bandon Correspondent

BANDON — Citizens and lawmakers filled the Bandon High School cafeteria Wednesday evening for a Port of Bandon sponsored hearing on marine reserves.

Given three minutes apiece, 23 people braved an audience numbering more than 100 and a bank of video cameras to voice concerns about the potential impact of fishing restrictions in two reserve proposal sites between Cape Arago and Whisky Run.

The proposals, which would ban fishing and development within the reserve boundaries, are among 20 reserve sites under review by the Ocean Policy Advisory Council. Even those who support the concept of reserves, including Englund Marine Supply’s Charleston manager Mark Fleck, say the proposals lack necessary economic impact surveys. Fleck and others also questioned the extent of local support for the current proposals.

Margery Whitmer, an 18-year veteran of the fishing business, said 90 percent of her income is generated in the proposed areas.

“No one has contacted us at any point in the proposal process,” Whitmer said.

Others were more pointed in their critiques. North Bend fisherman John Ward called the process flawed, and accused Gov. Ted Kulongoski of responding to political pressure from conservationists.

“The governor is paying back a debt to the big conservation groups,” said Ward. “That’s why I’m angry.”

Bandon Port Commission Chairman Donnie Goddard acknowledged the supportive presence of local, regional and state representatives. Commissioner Reg Pullen concurred and said he respected that candidates currently running for election did not use the event as a political platform.

“It was a well-run meeting,” Pullen said after the hearing. “I think we can tell the council that marine reserves are not wanted at this time.”

The public hearing had to be moved from a meeting room at the Inn at Face Rock to the Bandon High School cafeteria to accommodate the number of people interested in testifying.

All statements were recorded. Bandon Port Director Gina Dearth and Project Manager Trudy Spanier will compile a written summary of the meeting. According to Commissioner Robin Miller, Dearth will present the video recording and summary to OPAC on Friday at its meeting in Florence.

Port districts along the South Coast are soliciting community input. Mike Gaul, the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay’s deputy director, agreed to submit to OPAC signed copies of a “No Marine Reserve at Cape Arago” petition generated by the Charleston business owners.

“It’s a grassroots effort in the Charleston community,” Gaul said.

Gaul and his staff also conducted an informal survey of Coos Bay and Charleston business owners and fishermen to compile what he calls a “back of the napkin” economic impact analysis of reserve implementation.