OAR 660-017-0015: Major Estuary Classification

Twenty-one of the 22 major Oregon estuaries are classed in the following manner: (1) Natural Estuaries include Sand Lake, Salmon River, Elk River (Curry County), Sixes River, and Pistol River. (2) Conservation Estuaries include Necanicum River, Netarts Bay, Nestucca River, Siletz Bay, Alsea Bay, and Winchuck River. (3) Shallow-draft Development Estuaries include Tillamook Bay, Nehalem Bay, Depoe Bay, Siuslaw River, Umpqua River, Coquille River, Rogue River, and Chetco River. (4) Deep-draft Development Estuaries include Columbia River, Yaquina Bay, and Coos Bay.