Festival for Redfish Rocks

The Redfish Rocks Community Team is holding the annual Redfish Rocks on the Dock party on July 20, and CoastWatch will be there.  The festival celebrating the Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve, the local fishing community, and ocean conservation, takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The event highlights the ocean partners working to protect the marine reserve and Oregon’s ocean, and with past years will feature activities for all ages, opportunities to get out on the water, information about fishing and marine conservation, and free food and drink.

Fawn Custer, our CoastWatch citizen science trainer, will lead a beachwalk in the morning to kick the event off.  Meet her at 8 a.m. by the visitor center at the Battle Rock viewpoint, or down the stairs if you arrive later (look for her trademark orange rainpants).  All comers are welcome to this free and family friendly activity.  Later, Fawn will table during the festival--this would be a good chance to meet her and talk with her about CoastWatch and citizen science opportunities.

This long-time tradition will continue this year, despite the fact that the Port of Port Orford is undergoing breakwater construction this summer, so the event can’t actually take place on the dock.  Instead, it will be held at three locations: 

*the Port Orford Visitor Center (520 Jefferson St.), where citizen science information and activities will be offered and informational tables will be located;

*the Oregon State University Field Station (444 Jackson St.), where visitors will experience marine life first hand, literally, with touch tanks and fishing vessel tours;

*and the RV lot on 5th and Dock Rd., where guests will find Port displays and plans, learn more about the fishing industry, and enjoy food, beverages, and music.

Details are not yet set—watch this space for more information closer to the event.

For more information, contact Hilary Johnson, Project Coordinator for the Redfish Rocks Community Team, 503-410-8649, redfishrocks.org.