(a) Review and utilize relevant, scientifically supported information, including the recommendations of the West Coast Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia Science Panel and other available information, reports and studies, to:

(A) Identify research and monitoring activities necessary to better understand the changing ocean chemistry and the potential impacts of ocean acidification and hypoxia; and

(B) Recommend prioritized state actions to address ocean acidification and hypoxia;

(b) Identify actions and initiatives to address Oregon’s vulnerabilities to ocean acidification and hypoxia that may include, but need not be limited to:

(A) Developing optimal strategies for mitigating the effects of ocean acidification and hypoxia;

(B) Taking steps to strengthen existing scientific monitoring, research and analysis regarding the effects and trends in ocean acidification and hypoxia;

(C) Identifying habitats that are particularly vulnerable to corrosive sea water, including areas experiencing multiple stressors such as hypoxia, sedimentation and harmful algae blooms;

(D) Identifying the socioeconomic and ecosystem impacts of intensifying ocean acidification;

(E) Taking steps to increase public awareness of the science and impacts of ocean acidification and hypoxia;

(F) Developing a long-term ocean acidification and hypoxia coordination strategy among state agencies, academia, the federal government and industry; or

(G) Leveraging opportunities for research partnerships with academia, tribes and the commercial fishing industry, in order to advance the understanding of ocean acidification and hypoxia in Oregon; and

(c) Advise and assist the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and all other represented public agencies in coordinating and carrying out, as directed by the agencies’ governing bodies, the actions and initiatives identified under paragraph (b) of this subsection.

(2) The coordinating council may develop a Socioeconomic Vulnerability to Ocean Acidification Report. A report developed under this subsection may include, but need not be limited to, information identifying:

(a) Coastal communities in this state that may be impacted by ocean acidification;

(b) The impacts of ocean acidification and hypoxia on the communities identified under paragraph (a) of this subsection; or

(c) The gaps in understanding that exist regarding the impacts of ocean acidification and hypoxia on economically or commercially important species, particularly species that support commercial, recreational and tribal fisheries and shellfish aquaculture in this state.

(3) The coordinating council may develop recommendations for the Oregon Ocean Science Trust, state agencies, academia or other organizations on high-priority, strategic research that may be done to address gaps that exist in the understanding of ocean acidification and hypoxia. Strategic research recommendations developed by the coordinating council may include, but need not be limited to, research related to:

(a) The impacts of ocean acidification and hypoxia on marine organisms and the marine ecosystem;

(b) The economic impacts of ocean acidification and hypoxia on communities in this state; or

(c) Developing adaptation and mitigation strategies for conserving and enhancing the resilience of marine organisms and ecosystems for future use and enjoyment by Oregonians and visitors to this state.

(4) The coordinating council shall submit a biennial report to the Legislative Assembly and to the Ocean Policy Advisory Council by September 15 of each even-numbered year on the coordinating council’s activities and recommendations.

(5) All agencies of state government, as defined in ORS 174.111, are requested to assist the coordinating council in the performance of its duties and, to the extent permitted by laws relating to confidentiality, to furnish such information and advice as the members of the coordinating council consider necessary to perform their duties. [2017 c.744 §3]

Note: See note under 196.571.