COOS BAY, Ore. - The annual State of the Coast conference, sponsored by Oregon Sea Grant, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Southwestern Oregon Community College's Hales Center.

The event is designed to bring coastal and noncoastal Oregonians - including scientists, business and community leaders, fishermen, resource managers, teachers, students, recreationists and conservationists - together to learn, network, and talk about Oregon's marine environment.

Registration in advance is recommended as space is limited. Registration, which is $35 for the general public and $25 for students, includes lunch, a reception and refreshments. Doors open at 8 a.m.; the conference begins at 9 a.m.  For more information and to register, visit http://www.stateofthecoast.com

Oregon Sea Grant is a coastal science, outreach and education program based at Oregon State University. The conference will explore several marine-related issues, including changing ocean conditions such as "The Blob" - a huge patch of unusually warm water in the Pacific Ocean; innovations in fishing, new approaches to ocean conservation, marine debris, water quality, a potential Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and others.

The conference will include talks, displays and hands-on activities.

Keynote speaker Wallace J. Nichols, author of the book, "Blue Mind: the Surprising Science that Shows How Being Near, In, On or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected and Better at What You Do," will discuss some of the themes in his book. His talk will weave in neuroscience, psychology, biology and ecosystem analysis, as well as personal stories.

Source: 

Jamie Doyle, 541-297-4227;

Flaxen Conway, 541-737-1339 or 541-543-4854

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