Public comment period underway as Port explores future opportunities for sustainable aquaculture in San Diego Bay.
The Port of San Diego is continuing efforts to explore the future of shellfish and seaweed aquaculture in San Diego Bay, releasing a second discussion draft of its proposed Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Program as officials seek additional public and stakeholder input.
The proposed program, known as the SSAP, is part of the Port’s broader effort to support emerging maritime industries tied to sustainability, environmental restoration, scientific advancement, and regional economic development.
Aquaculture, commonly referred to as aquatic farming, involves the cultivation of marine or freshwater organisms in controlled environments. Through the proposed program, the Port is specifically focusing on shellfish and seaweed operations rather than finfish aquaculture.
According to the Port, the newly released Second Discussion Draft outlines potential policies, procedures, operational standards, and best management practices that would guide how future aquaculture proposals could be reviewed for both landside and in-water operations throughout San Diego Bay.
The updated draft follows months of additional technical analysis and stakeholder outreach that occurred after the release of the program’s first discussion draft in August 2024.
Following that initial release, the Port received public comments and feedback from various environmental organizations, recreational users, industry representatives, and community stakeholders. According to officials, those comments prompted further review and additional due diligence before advancing the program further.
Port staff and consultants subsequently conducted expanded technical and spatial studies examining factors including submerged aquatic vegetation, shoreline conditions, bathymetric mapping, vessel traffic, oceanographic conditions, wave activity, and recreational use patterns throughout portions of the bay and surrounding waterfront.
The Port also held focused stakeholder engagement sessions to better understand concerns and recommendations raised during the initial review period.
According to the Port, that additional analysis directly informed revisions included within the Second Discussion Draft, including updated technical information and modified areas being considered for possible future aquaculture activity.
The proposal remains in its planning stages, and no specific aquaculture projects are currently being approved through the process at this time.
Instead, the current draft is intended to establish a long-term framework the Port could use when evaluating future shellfish and seaweed aquaculture proposals if operators seek to establish businesses or pilot programs within San Diego Bay.
Port officials say stakeholder participation remains a key component of the process as the draft continues evolving.
The current public review period allows community members, environmental groups, recreational boaters, waterfront businesses, scientists, and industry representatives to submit feedback, comments, or identify potential concerns and opportunities tied to the proposed framework.
After the 45-day review period concludes, Port staff will evaluate submitted comments and determine whether additional revisions or updates to the draft program are necessary.
The proposed program would also eventually undergo environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which would create additional public review opportunities before any final adoption or implementation occurs.
Comments on the Second Discussion Draft are being accepted through June 15, 2026.
The Port says San Diego Bay offers several characteristics that make it potentially well-suited for shellfish and seaweed aquaculture, including its relatively temperate climate, proximity to regional seafood markets, and existing waterfront infrastructure.
In addition to food production, officials say shellfish and seaweed aquaculture could potentially support other industries involving biofuels, bioplastics, and alternative marine-based materials.
When properly managed, shellfish and seaweed cultivation also can provide environmental benefits including improved water quality, habitat enhancement, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem restoration support.
The Port emphasized that any future aquaculture activity would need to coexist alongside existing maritime uses, including commercial shipping, boating, waterfront recreation, fishing, and environmental protection efforts already active throughout San Diego Bay.
As interest in sustainable marine industries continues growing statewide, the proposed program represents another example of California ports exploring how working waterfronts may evolve to support both economic and environmental priorities in the future.
Additional information about the proposed Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Program, including public comment details and draft materials, is available through the Port of San Diego at portofsandiego.org/aquaculture.
