Aquaculture

Since 2014, the Sunflower Sea Star has basically vanished from much of its range due to the wasting disease that causes the stars to fall apart. We know that this sea star is one of the only predators of purple urchin, and given the overabundance of purple urchin, the subsequent urchin barrens and loss of kelp forests, supporting their recovery is a priority. A team of scientists at the University of Washington are raising these animals in the hope of deploying a restoration strategy. The success of a captive breeding program such as this gives hope for this species, and demonstrates the value of aquaculture.

In 2015, Kashia Band of Pomo Indians re-acquired 678 acres of ancestral homelands along the north coast of Sonoma County. This property is being used to support the Kashia Marine Resource Education Pilot Project – a sustainable platform program for teaching ocean and coastal science and Native American history and practices to both Tribal Members and the public. Currently Kashia are developing a commercial aquaculture farm, and working with scientists at Bodega Bay Marine Laboratory on the plight of red abalone given the devastation of kelp forests. This inspiring project looks to focus both upon Traditional Ecological Knowledge, as well as science in relation to conservation, stewardship and sustainability.

The State of Hawaii has invested over $130 million since 1974 to create the Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology Park (HOST Park). We were lucky to learn more about this unique outdoor demonstration site for emerging renewable and ocean based technologies from Gregory Barbour, the Executive Director for the natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority during the May 2022 symposium. Check it out here and be sure to explore the HOST Park website complete with underwater camera live streaming.

For over 50 years, California Sea Grant (CASG) has engages with communities throughout California by delivering research, education, extension and communications. CASG has actively supported NOC and our efforts to position the Mendocino coastal region for blue economy investment. In particular, CASG Aquaculture Specialists Luke Gardner and Kevin Marquez Johnson generously invested time, energy, expertise and helped secure funding to ensure the May 2022 Blue Economy Symposium and Learning Festival was a success. Thank you!

The City of Fort Bragg is proud to include a CASG extension fellow to the team beginning October 2023, and to continue learning from and working alongside CASG Specialists as we identify our coastal community’s needs and priorities.