Common Ground

The ocean off of Oregon's Coast is one of the richest temperate marine ecosystems in the entire world. Yet along the Pacific Coast we are witnessing the nation's largest fishery closure unfold - a closure that was put in place because of diminishing groundfish populations. Scientists warn that these groundfish closures are glaring red flags indicating all is not well in our ocean.

Green Fire Productions has produced a documentary, Common Ground: Oregon's Ocean that examines Oregon's ocean ecosystems and looks for ways to protect marine biodiversity and enhance fisheries.

This short documentary features extraordinary underwater footage filmed off the Oregon Coast. The film weaves cutting edge marine science with perspectives from those who rely on the ocean for their livelihood.

Common Ground is intended to foster dialogue among diverse Oregonians and stimulate actions that will help shape solutions to protecting marine biodiversity. Public screenings are taking place around the state.

Common Ground has struck a nerve across Oregon. From Charleston to Astoria and from Portland to Newport, hundreds are filling theaters to capacity to watch this film and discuss threats to marine life and potential benefits for our ocean by designating marine reserves.

"The marine ecosystem off the coast of Oregon is in trouble," says film producer Karen Meyer. "Over-fishing, pollution and coastal development are depleting fish species to perilously low levels. Marine reserves are key to the recovery of fish populations and the ecosystem as a whole."

In the small fishing town of Port Orford - population 600 - more than 200 people attended the local screening. In the days that followed, Port Orford fishermen began discussing the possibility of marine reserve in the ocean waters that they fish. Leesa Cobb of the Port Orford Ocean Resource Team said: "The Common Ground event was the catalyst for the fishermen to move forward."

At the recent Salem screening, Secretary of State Bill Bradbury who moderated the Q & A session remarked, "I was struck by the large number of citizens who came last night because they are obviously concerned about the health of our oceans."

Since the film's launch, in June 2005, the OPAC process resumed and in June 2007, Gov. Ted Kulongoski proposed establishing a network of marine reserves in state waters to protect ocean habitat for fish, wildlife and people. A public nomination process will begin in Spring 2008. Common Ground screenings and events for key stakeholders continue.

Visit the Common Ground website