Tending the Tides - Oregon's Mariculture Revolution
From Ocean Science Radio by Ocean Science Radio
February 3, 2026 · 28 min · Episode 108
About this episode
This episode explores the changing landscape of seafood consumption and mariculture on the Oregon coast, featuring insights from experts at Ecotrust.
90% of seafood consumed on the Oregon coast is imported, while most Oregon-caught seafood gets exported. This week, we explore how that's changing. We talk with Suzie O'Neill, Kaitlyn Rich, and Jon Bonkoski from Ecotrust, who just launched "Tending the Tides," a podcast about mariculture on the Oregon coast. Learn how oyster farmers became climate sentinels in 2007 when ocean acidification killed their larvae. Discover urchin divers using rock climbing techniques underwater in 50 pounds of lead, and how their catch feeds innovative closed-loop aquaculture systems growing seaweed and sea cucumbers. From selective breeding programs creating climate-resilient oysters to kelp forests buffering acidification, this episode reveals how Oregon is building regenerative ocean farming that honors Indigenous stewardship, avoids parachute science, and redefines what sustainable food systems look like. Featuring the Oregon Coastal Mariculture Collaborative's community-led approach to expanding "unfed aquaculture"—oysters and seaweed that grow without any inputs beyond what the ocean provides.
People in this episode
Guests: Suzie O'Neill, Kaitlyn Rich, Jon Bonkoski
Topics covered
- mariculture
- sustainable food systems
- ocean farming
- climate resilience
- Indigenous stewardship
- aquaculture
Keywords
- seafood
- oysters
- ocean acidification
- aquaculture systems
- kelp forests
- climate sentinels
- unfed aquaculture
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Ecotrust
Books & works: Tending the Tides
Places: Oregon, Oregon coast
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