Blog

If you are a CAA member and would be affected by this project, please send your detailed comments and concerns to Michael Lee at caaquaculture@gmail.com.

Public comments accepted through November 30, 2026

The Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District has issued a Notice of Preparation for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for a proposed offshore wind heavy-lift marine terminal on the Samoa Peninsula in Humboldt County. The project is intended to establish Humboldt Bay as a major staging and assembly location for floating offshore wind turbines, but its proposed footprint and construction activities have direct implications for existing mariculture and other working-waterfront operations.

Existing mariculture operations among uses slated for relocation

The proposed project would redevelop an approximately 180-acre marine terminal site to support offshore wind development. Planned improvements include marine infrastructure, wharves, dredging, turbine-component staging and assembly areas, wet-storage areas, and associated upland facilities. The project also includes a 30-acre solar array, a bike path, and improvements on Woodley Island intended to support fishery and recreation communities.

Importantly for the aquaculture industry, the project description identifies three existing uses that would need to be relocated: mariculture operations, commercial fishing equipment storage, and a commercial fish landing and live-holding facility. The notice does not establish the final relocation arrangements or their implications for individual businesses, making those issues important areas for continued attention.

Environmental review will examine marine and coastal impacts

The EIR will evaluate potential environmental effects associated with construction and operation, including dredging and changes to marine habitat. Identified issues include potential impacts to eelgrass, wetlands, environmentally sensitive habitat areas, fish and marine mammals, and the conversion of intertidal to subtidal habitat. Habitat restoration and other mitigation measures are anticipated as part of the project.

For aquaculture businesses, the review is an opportunity to seek clarity on potential effects on existing operations, water quality, marine habitat, access to waterfront facilities, and the long-term availability of suitable locations for mariculture. The extent of any impacts will depend on the final project design and the findings of the environmental review.

The project is intended to support California’s offshore wind goals and regional economic development. At the same time, its development underscores the importance of considering how new industrial uses can coexist with established aquaculture, commercial fishing, and other working-waterfront industries.

How to participate

The Harbor District is accepting written comments on the scope of the EIR through 5:00 p.m. on November 30, 2026. A public scoping meeting is scheduled for November 4, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Eureka Veterans Memorial Hall, 1018 H Street, Eureka. An agency scoping meeting is scheduled for that morning at 10:00 a.m.

Comments may be submitted by email to projectcomments@humboldtbay.org or by mail to:

Chris Mikkelsen
Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District
P.O. Box 1030
Eureka, CA 95502-1030

The District requests that comment letters identify a contact person. Members with operations, business interests, or expertise relevant to Humboldt Bay are encouraged to review the notice and consider providing input on issues that should be addressed in the EIR.

Read the Notice of Preparation and project description or visit the Humboldt Bay Harbor District project webpage for additional information.