Scientific and Technical advice is brought to OPAC via the legislatively-mandated Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC). The authorizing legislation includes Oregon's Ocean Resources Management Law (ORS 196) and  House Bill 3013(2009).  This committee is chaired by the representative from Oregon Sea Grant, Karina Nielsen. The committee itself acts as a broker: when OPAC needs scientific or technical advice on an issue, the STAC identifies appropriate experts and engages their assistance. Sea Grant’s vision of the process, which was adopted by OPAC (07.19.2010), is presented in a guidance document on the formation and functions of the STAC. 

Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee Members

The governor-appointed Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) works with the public to make recommendations on issues of ocean policy ranging from ocean-based energy generation plans to developing marine reserves in the territorial sea. By statute, the Oregon Sea Grant director serves as permanent chair of the council's Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) and under OPAC rules serves as a member of the Council's Executive Board. Current STAC committee members are:

• Karina Nielsen,  Director, Oregon Sea Grant, Chair
• David M. Kling, Oregon State University, Department of Applied Economics
• Veronica Dujon - Oregon Higher Education Coordination Commission
• Kelsey Emard, Oregon State University, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences
• Elise Granek - Portland State University, Environmental Science and Resources
• Selina Heppell - Oregon State University, Fisheries and Wildlife
• Jan Hodder - University of Oregon, Center for Ocean Science Education/Oregon Institute of Marine Biology
• William Jaeger - Oregon State University, Department of Applied Economics
• Jim Lerczak, Oregon State University, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences
• Jenna Tilt, Oregon State University, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences
• J. Wilson White, Oregon State University, Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station

STAC Meetings and Reports

STAC is not required to include Public Comment as part of their meetings, however all meetings of the STAC shall be available and accessible to the public to attend. Meeting agendas and summaries are archived on the STAC Meetings Page.