Category Archives: News Release

Bandon Geology

Posted on by

You probably know that the bedrock along the entire coast of California and southern Oregon is comprised of a chaotic mix of rock types, generally referred to in the literature as Franciscan mélange.

Pillow Basalts

Pillow basalts are among the most common rocks of these types. They are shaped like a pillow with glassy margins and interstitial calcareous mud. They formed under water, in this case the Mesozoic ocean floor, prior to subduction.

In addition to these rocks, there are so-called exotic blocks within the mélange. Their origin is much more problematic because they have been thoroughly metamorphosed at great depth during the subduction process. They have since been uplifted and are now found in various localities including the Bandon area.

Minerals

The minerals in these blocks, some as large as houses, are hard and dense, imparting great resistance to erosion. They form some of the best sea stacks along the coast.

The second image here is a close-up of some of these minerals. The blue mineral is glaucophane; the spherical red mineral is garnet; and, the green mineral is pyroxene that is rich in jadeite.

People occasionally find gem quality jadeite along the beaches there. All of these minerals are strictly metamorphic, having formed at depths on the order of 20 km and temperatures on the order of 500 degrees Celsius!

(Thanks to Dr. Jim Stout for his insights into local geology!)

You can enhance your next visit to the coast by hiring a professional guide to reveal some stories of the fascinating coastal rock formations! One such company is Wavecrest Tours in Coos Bay

Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact in Oregon

Posted on by

Travel Oregon, in partnership with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), the Oregon Office of Outdoor Recreation (OREC), Oregon Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) and Earth Economics, released a new Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact Study that demonstrates the importance of Oregon’s vast range of outdoor recreation opportunities to the state’s economy.


$15.6 BILLION IN OUTDOOR RECREATION SPENDING
$552 MILLION IN STATE AND LOCAL TAXES CREATED
$13 BILLION IN GDP CONTRIBUTIONS
224,000 FULL AND PART-TIME JOBS
$9.3 BILLION IN WAGES AND OTHER COMPENSATION

Download Report from This Site




What it takes to be a professional charter fishing guide

Posted on by

With years of fishing experience, a passion for educating others and a lot of flexibility, being a professional charter fishing guide is one of those jobs where work doesn’t feel like work.

In the state of Oregon, to become a charter fishing guide one will need to register with the Oregon State Marine Board. The board recognizes these individuals as Outfitter Guides.

Along with registering there are a number of minimum requirements they need to meet, such as providing proof of insurance, having basic First Aid and CPR skills and having an updated Passenger Boat Operator’s certification or license.

Outfitter Guides have options of choosing [More information can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/Pages/Guides-Charters.aspx]

Betty Kay fishing charter catch

Captain Kurt Smith of Betty Kay Charters

Aside from the legal side of what it takes to be a professional charter fishing guide, it is important for Outfitters to be familiar with their local area. Taking groups of people out to sea to catch fish can be more of an experience if the guide is knowledgeable about the local marine wildlife, history and weather patterns of the area.

Fishing charter companies will usually start preparing for the next days tours the night before. Getting the lines and bait ready and checking the National Weather Service are just a few of the things that need to be done before the usual 4 am wake up call on the day of a tour.

Guides are usually prepared to take one or two tours a day, depending on the season. On the Oregon Coast they can catch Lingcod, Rockfish, Tuna, Salmon, Chinook, Steelhead and Halibut.

As unpredictable the weather can be at the Coast, flexibility is important, along with people able to communicate to clients. Think you have what it takes to be a professional charter fishing guide?