Catalina Sea Ranch was the first offshore aquaculture facility permitted in U. S. federal waters, operating on a 100-acre site off the California coast. Established in 2012, it specialized in cultivating Mediterranean mussels using sub-surface ropes in deep waters. The company also explored farming other marine species, such as giant kelp, oysters, scallops, abalone, and sea urchins.
Despite its innovative approach, Catalina Sea Ranch faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy in late 2019. In 2020, its assets were acquired by Pacific6 Enterprises, a California-based investment group. The company aimed to advance sustainable seafood production through offshore farming but encountered challenges in scaling operations and securing funding. While its acquisition signaled potential continuity, there is limited publicly available information regarding its current activities under new ownership. Catalina Sea Ranch played a significant role in shaping offshore aquaculture practices in the United States.
