Aquaculture in and around San Diego Bay
The Port of San Diego is actively advancing aquaculture through the practice of growing seaweed and/or shellfish in aquatic environments in and around San Diego Bay. San Diego Bay and surrounding areas have several characteristics supportive of shellfish and seaweed aquaculture, including a temperate climate, proximity to markets, and existing shore-side infrastructure.
Shellfish and seaweed aquaculture can provide sustainable commercial opportunities in multiple areas, including food production, biofuel, bioplastics, and other alternative materials. When properly planned, managed, and operated, shellfish and seaweed aquaculture can co-exist with other maritime functions and provide many benefits such as improving water quality, habitat enhancement, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem restoration.
San Diego Bay and its surrounding environment has the potential to support a growing and viable shellfish and seaweed aquaculture businesses that also aligns with the Port’s mission, advances science, and grows a new industry sector with strong potential for job creation and related economic and environmental benefits for the region.
Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Program (SSAP)
The Port is proposing to develop a Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Program (SSAP) and is looking for the public’s input on plans to establish three in-water and three landside aquaculture operation locations. The SSAP provides a framework for the Port to guide, consider and approve future shellfish and seaweed aquaculture activities through the program.
SSAP Discussion Draft
As a port of communities, we are looking to community members and stakeholders to provide feedback on the Port’s proposed SSAP. On August 20, 2024, the Port released the SSAP Discussion Draft for a 60-day review period. Comments, data, and discussions on potential opportunities or gaps in the preliminary SSAP are all welcome.
After the comment period closes, Port staff will review the comments and prepare an updated draft of the SSAP. The process to develop the SSAP is designed to be iterative and responsive to feedback, and this process will likely continue to evolve as the SSAP evolves.
Comments on this document are being accepted through October 25, 2024. Please submit your comments to SSAP@portofsandiego.org.
CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE SSAP DISCUSSION DRAFT
HAGA CLIC AQUI PARA LEER EL BORADOR DEL SSAP
Aquaculture Pilot Projects and the
Blue Economy Incubator
The Port is taking an active leadership role in expanding the domestic aquaculture industry and facilitating early development of regional marine aquaculture projects by investing in two aquaculture businesses through its Blue Economy Incubator. Below are two examples.
Sunken Seaweed
Sunken Seaweed is a seaweed farm located at the northwestern end of Grape Street Pier and is made up of a rectangular grid system in which various seaweeds species are being grown in the San Diego Bay. The seaweed grown can be used for consumption, fuel, feed, and even packaging. In 2023, Sunken Seaweed was featured on the TODAY Show’s Earth Week coverage and on NBC’s show Lx.
CLICK HERE TO SEE SUNKEN SEAWEED ON LX
San Diego Bay Aquaculture
San Diego Bay Aquaculture grows Pacific oysters from seeds the size of pepper flakes to juvenile stage, or about the size of a quarter. Once at juvenile stage, the oysters will be exported to farms for further grow out. In 2023, TODAY Show co-host Al Roker toured San Diego Bay Aquaculture operations and featured them on his Earth Week coverage.
CLICK HERE TO SEE SAN DIEGO BAY AQUACULTURE ON THE TODAY SHOW
Aquaculture Timeline
Aquaculture & Blue Technology Department created
Blue Economy Incubator (BEI) established
- September 2017: Began preliminary studies with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, and National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NOAA-NOS-NCCOS)
- June 2017: San Diego Bay Aquaculture BEI agreement approved
- November 2017: FLUPSY installed at G St Mole for San Diego Bay Aquaculture
Sunken Seaweed BEI agreement approved
Sunken Seaweed farm installed at Grape Street Pier and hatchery installed at SDSU CMIL
Sunken Seaweed re-investment to Humboldt Bay approved
Received Builder’s Initiative funding to prepare the Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Program
January 2024: One of the NOAA-NOS-NCCOS studies was published in Frontiers in Marine Science
July 9, 2024: Presentation to the Board of Port Commissioners on preparing a Discussion Draft to establish the Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Program