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FLORENCE, Ore. - Global connections across the Pacific Ocean in science, economics and policies - and how these things affect Oregon's ocean - are the focus of the eighth annual Heceta Head Coastal Conference, Oct. 26-27 at the Florence Events Center.

Scientists, policy-makers and community leaders - including Oregon first lady Cylvia Hayes and Oregon State University marine mammal specialist Bruce Mate - will address the theme "Oregon's Oceans: Bringing the High Seas Home" during the two-day conference, which is open to the public.

Hayes will kick off the conference with a dinner speech on "Healthy Ocean, Healthy Economy, Healthy Oregon" at 5 p.m. Friday.

Saturday's talks and panels include a number of OSU researchers, including oceanographer Jack Barth, marine zoologist Francis Chan, sociologist Flaxen Conway, and fisheries ecologist Jessica Miller. Also speaking will be Oregon Rep. Arnie Roblan and representatives of the Pacific Shellfish Growers' Association, the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership and the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission on topics ranging from the migration of albacore tuna to the challenges and opportunities facing Oregon's coastal communities to the international laws governing use of the oceans.

The afternoon will include panel discussions on hypoxia and ocean acidification in the Pacific, and tsunami debris.

Mate, chair of the OSU Marine Mammal Institute, will close out the conference with a keynote speech on whale migrations and critical habitats.

Registration is $25 for Friday's dinner and $35 ($25 for students) for Saturday's sessions, including lunch. For registration and other details, including information about discounted overnight lodging in Florence, visit http:www.hecetaheadconference.org

The conference is organized by Heceta Head Coastal Conference, Inc. in partnership with Oregon Sea Grant.