The Lane County Board of Commissioners Wednesday voted unanimously on a resolution supporting a system of marine reserves off the Central Coast.

            With the vote, Lane County became the first Oregon county to formally support marine reserves.  The commissioners also endorsed a specific site at Cape Perpetua, near Florence. 

            Supporters of marine reserves contend protecting areas of the ocean from fishing and other activities will enhance the natural ecosystem.  Some commercial fishermen fear marine reserves will hurt the industry. 

            Chair Pete Sorenson said the Board of Commissioners tried to consider all sides. “We’ve spent two full months working on it and actually the commercial fishing industry in the Florence area actually testified in favor of the resolution so we think we’ve worked out all the differences,” Sorenson said.