AQUACULTURE

HEALING THE SEAS

Open-ocean aquaculture produces sustainable, organic food while cleaning the oceans.

Phil Cruver’s Catalina Sea Ranch grows mussels and superfood kelp using no resources beyond the ocean itself. Allowing the mutual relationship of mussels and aquatic plant life to flourish helps maintain the environmental health of the fertile San Pedro Shelf. Unfortunately, aquaculture regulations are not designed for operations like Phil’s. From confusing permitting requirements to labyrinthine back-and-forths between federal and state agencies, Phil’s innovative company is struggling to stay above water.