Coastal Conservation Association Oregon (CCA Oregon) was founded in the spring of 2007, joining Washington as the first state chapters in the Pacific Northwest. What began as a single chapter has grown into a vibrant network of 10 local chapters spread across key regions of the state. These chapters form the backbone of CCA Oregon’s grassroots strength, meeting regularly to discuss local issues and forwarding those priorities to statewide committees that drive policy and conservation action.
Who is
CCA Oregon?
Since
Since its inception, CCA Oregon has grown not only in membership but also in organizational capacity. Today, the state is represented by a well-respected lobbyist in Salem, a regional fisheries director, and a full-time executive director—each working to protect and enhance Oregon’s salmon, steelhead, and coastal fisheries. Through a partnership with 15 other state chapters across the country, CCA Oregon also has access to a lobbyist and general counsel in Washington, D.C., ensuring Oregon’s fisheries issues have a national voice.
CCA as a whole is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1977. It now spans 15 coastal state chapters from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts. The association draws its strength from tens of thousands of recreational anglers—freshwater and saltwater—who share a common commitment to healthy fish populations and thriving marine ecosystems. This grassroots force influences state legislatures, Congress, and resource agencies to push for science-based management, habitat restoration, and sustainable fisheries.
Since its inception, CCA’s mission has remained clear: to advise, educate, conserve, and advocate for marine resources so they remain abundant for future generations. CCA Oregon carries that mission forward every day, giving a strong, unified voice to the fish that cannot speak for themselves and to the anglers and communities who depend on them.
CCA OREGON POLICIES, STANCES
Habitat
Healthy habitat is the cornerstone of strong, sustainable fisheries. CCA Oregon is dedicated to protecting, restoring, and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat across the state. Through targeted habitat funding, we help support practical, on-the-ground projects that produce meaningful, measurable benefits for salmon, steelhead, and other Northwest species.
Hatcheries
Without hatchery salmon and steelhead, Oregon’s fishing opportunities would be drastically reduced. Factor in that 70% of all salmon and steelhead harvested in Oregon and it only reinforces the need for functional, well-managed hatcheries as essential tools supporting conservation, access, and sustainable recreational fisheries statewide.
Recreational Fishing
We oppose arbitrary closures to recreational fishing and will fight to ensure any restrictions are backed by credible science. CCA Oregon continues to be an active voice defending recreational fishing opportunity and against arbitrary fishing area closures.
Harvest Reform
CCA Oregon has led efforts to reform non-selective commercial harvest practices that harm depleted and ESA-listed salmon and steelhead. For more than 15 years, the organization has worked across legislative, judicial, and agency arenas in Oregon and Washington to transition non-tribal gillnets out of the mainstem lower Columbia River. Key achievements include advancing bi-state fishery reforms, defending those reforms through commission reviews, securing safeguards and transparency for endorsement funds, prohibiting new gillnet licenses, and supporting license buyback programs that prioritize conservation and recreational fishing opportunity.
Predation
CCA Oregon has worked to address the impacts of marine and avian predation on wild and endangered salmon and steelhead. The organization supported federal legislation streamlining authority for states and tribes to remove problem sea lions in the Columbia and Willamette rivers, secured state and federal funding for removals at key predation hotspots like Willamette Falls, and backed efforts to reduce avian predation through coordinated actions with federal agencies.
Advocates For Recreational Fishing, Maintaining Access
CCA Oregon actively defends recreational fishing opportunity and opposes unnecessary closures. The organization led opposition to no-fishing marine reserves, advocated for predictable and equitable ocean salmon seasons, and worked to reduce the size and scope of thermal refuge closures in the Columbia River basin while pressing for ongoing review of closed areas.
Why We’re Effective
Our members have proven time and again that we affect change. Our Government Relations Committee works hand in hand with staff, our full-time lobbyist in Salem, and our Pacific Northwest Regional Fisheries Director who help shape CCA Oregon’s policies.
Chapter Model
There are 10 local chapters throughout the state of Oregon. These chapters help identify issues affecting fisheries in their local area. Using the time-proven CCA model, a course is charted to educate, advocate, and implement change. The model of “member driven” issues executed by our volunteer and professional staff has shown to work both nationally and regionally. We rely on membership and fundraising to ensure that recreational anglers and our state’s precious resources have a voice.
Why Your Membership Matters
Membership is vital to our success. There’s strength in numbers — the more members we have, the stronger and more effective our voice becomes. By joining CCA Oregon, you’re taking a stand for the future of our salmon, steelhead, and other precious fish species. Together, we can bring about real change in Oregon’s fisheries. Your support helps us advocate for science-based conservation, habitat restoration, and responsible fishery management.