Our Passion Projects

At Holdfast we focus on both commercial production and R&D, because we believe that a sustainable future for California aquaculture must be based on a sound scientific foundation.

Here are just a few of the current research projects that we're working on to bring innovation to the industry:

Developing the Native California Mussel as a New Aquaculture Species

Thanks to funding from the NOAA Saltonstall Kennedy Program (Grant No. 22WCR011-015, 2022-2024) Holdfast is working with regional collaborators to develop a local and native mussel species, the California mussel (M. californianus), for aquaculture production.

Creating Locally Sourced and Locally Adapted Mussel Seed for the Pacific Southwest

Funded by the Pacific State Marine Fisheries Commission (Grant 20-08G, 2019-2020), Holdfast worked with Santa Barbara Mariculture to develop high quality, locally sourced and locally adapted blue mussel varieties for Pacific Southwest farmers. The pipeline was established in 2020 and remains in place today. An estimated 100,000 pounds were produced in 2023! These mussels represent some of the most sustainable protein sources on the planet because they start and stay in Southern California, from seed to harvest to consumption.

Developing Premium Mussel Products

We are teaming up with culinary experts to produce delicious premium products using locally grown and sustainable mussels marinated in escabeche miso, curry basil and other flavors. Tasting parties coming soon!

Selective breeding for Ocean Acidification tolerant Blue Mussels (M. galloprovincialis)

Funded by the Pacific State Marine Fisheries Commission (Grant No. 22-095G (2021-2023), Holdfast partnered with the University of Southern California and Santa Barbara Mariculture to begin a selective breeding program, with the goal of developing mussels that demonstrate tolerance to ocean acidification conditions while maintaining optimal growth performance.

Closing the life cycle of the native California clam (Tivela stultorum) for commercial aquaculture production.

Pismo clams, once abundant along the California coast to Baja, Mexico, nearly disappeared from plates by the late 20th century due to population declines and fishery closures. Building on two years of research, we’re developing a commercial hatchery pipeline for Pismo clams to support restoration and sustainable aquaculture of this species, with support from California Sea Grant (Grant No. NA24OARX417C0028-T1-01, 2024-2026) and collaborations with Get Inspired, Inc. and Dr. Sean Bignami.
Photo credit: Nancy Caruso.

Photo credit: Nancy Caruso

South LA Seafood Hub

In collaboration with Community Services Unlimited (a South Los Angeles based non-profit that has served and empowered the community since 1972), USC Sea Grant, UCSD and Santa Barbara Mariculture, Holdfast is proud to launch the South Central LA Seafood Hub to ensure equitable access to locally sourced sustainable aquaculture and fisheries products (NOAA Grant No. NA23NMF4270258, 2023-2025).

Ocean Farmers Education Program

Holdfast collaborated with the Aquarium of the Pacific and USC Sea Grant to develop an interactive educational experience for young children and their families about seaweed aquaculture. Funded by a NOAA-NAAEE Collaborative Aquaculture Literacy mini-grant.

Snapchat Underwater AR

As a consultant for Alta Sea and Snapchat, Holdfast helped develop an underwater augmented reality lens for Snapchat to inspire marine and ocean consciousness!