A new economic study highlights the critical role California shellfish producers play across the region. Prepared by Cal Poly Humboldt’s Schatz Energy Research Center in partnership with California Sea Grant, the report shows that Humboldt Bay’s shellfish mariculture sector generated $31.1 million in total economic output and directly supported local jobs while supplying operations up and down the Pacific coast.
Key findings from The Humboldt Bay Shellfish Mariculture Business Survey include:
- Seed Production Leader: Humboldt Bay produced 459 million individual shellfish seeds – a 152% increase since 2016.
- Regional Supply Hub: Due to its unique high-health status, Humboldt Bay supplied seed to 136 farms and market-sized shellfish to 177 businesses across the West Coast, helping support an estimated 1,500 jobs regionally.
- Statewide Impact: Humboldt Bay continues to produce over half of California’s market-sized oysters and overall farmed shellfish.
The analysis was commissioned via an aquaculture advisory committee formed with the Humboldt Bay Harbor District to establish baseline economic conditions as development proposals, such as offshore wind terminals, are evaluated.
Read the full report summary on Humboldt Waterkeeper or download the complete study via California Sea Grant.
Post a comment