Supporting Marine Restoration, Sustainable Aquaculture & Coastal Innovation

The Port of Bandon is proud to lead an innovative Sea Urchin Ranching Program that brings together marine conservation, sustainable seafood production, and economic development along Oregon's South Coast.

Purple sea urchins are native to Oregon's coastal waters, but their populations have increased dramatically in recent years. As these urchins consume kelp, they can contribute to the loss of vital underwater kelp forests that provide food, shelter, and habitat for a wide variety of marine life.

The Port's Sea Urchin Ranching Program offers an innovative approach to addressing this environmental challenge while exploring new opportunities for Oregon's working waterfront.

Turning an Environmental Challenge into an Opportunity

Through the Port of Bandon's Sea Urchin Ranching Program, purple sea urchins are collected from coastal waters and brought to the Port's land-based aquaculture facility. There, they are raised in controlled tanks and fed nutrient-rich seaweed to develop high-quality uni, a prized seafood delicacy. The resulting product is sold commercially, transforming an environmental challenge into a marketable seafood product. This innovative program supports sustainable seafood production, creates economic opportunities, and contributes to broader efforts to restore Oregon's coastal kelp forests.

By transforming undernourished sea urchins into a valuable seafood product, the program explores opportunities to support kelp forest recovery while developing a sustainable coastal industry.

Research, Partnerships & Innovation

The Port of Bandon collaborates with Oregon State University and other marine research and conservation partners to advance sea urchin ranching and aquaculture practices.

Research includes exploring the benefits of feeding sea urchins locally cultivated seaweed, such as Pacific dulse, while evaluating sustainable production methods and the potential for commercial seafood markets.

These partnerships help connect scientific research with practical applications that may benefit Oregon's coastal communities.

Investing in the Future of Our Working Waterfront

The Sea Urchin Ranching Program reflects the Port of Bandon's commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and responsible economic development.

By exploring new uses for marine resources and supporting research that may contribute to healthier coastal ecosystems, the Port is helping create opportunities for sustainable seafood production and the future of Oregon's working waterfront.

Through innovation and collaboration, the Port of Bandon is working to turn a coastal environmental challenge into an opportunity for restoration, research, and economic growth.