Pier into the future

A popular fishing spot is headed for a complete overhaul when the Port of Newport rebuilds the public fishing pier in South Beach, and port officials will seek public input this Tuesday, April 11.

“We want to learn more about how people use the pier and how they think their crabbing or fishing experiences from the pier could be improved,” said Director of Operations Aaron Bretz. “Unlike the existing pier, this replacement would be built for the exact purpose of public fishing and crabbing. Gaining public input will help us as we explore all options.”

The pier rebuild is intertwined with a project on the other side of Yaquina Bay. Reconstruction of Port Dock 7 is currently in the early design stages, as engineers lay the groundwork for new docks and finger piers to accommodate a growing commercial fishing fleet. Port officials expect permitting agencies will also attach mitigation requirements to the project. On a project like this, mitigation means the Port must find a way to compensate for any impacts to aquatic resources.

The South Beach pier was originally built to allow ships to load logs from the water before it was later repurposed for public fishing. For decades, it has been subject to the abuses of the coastal climate and is showing serious wear. Pairing its replacement with the Port Dock 7 project means both mitigation and maintenance are addressed.

“Without the fishing pier replacement, Port Dock 7 expansion isn’t possible” Bretz said, “and without the Port Dock 7 rebuild, the fishing pier wouldn’t be happening.”

Tuesday’s meeting begins at 6 pm in the activities room at the Port’s RV Park office, 2120 SE Marine Science Drive. Comments can also be submitted at www.portofnewport.com/public-fishing-pier-south-beach.