Tending the Tides: Stories of Mariculture on the Oregon Coast

Ecotrust

Along the Oregon coast, a growing mariculture sector—the farming of marine life for food, restoration, conservation, or cultural knowledge—is building community wealth, an equitable economy, and climate resilience. Through an episodic podcast, we explore how “ocean farming” of oysters, urchins, and seaweeds can help develop a thriving and equitable economy and revitalize Oregon’s coastal communities. This podcast aims to build public awareness of what it means to farm in the sea and to share little-known stories about mariculture-based environmental restoration. ecotrust.substack.com

Episodes

  1. Episode 6: The Currency of Care

    Jun 1

    Episode 6: The Currency of Care

    In this episode of Tending the Tides, Jon and Kaitlyn sit down with Cheryl Chen, CEO and co-founder of Salmon Returns, to explore the emerging world of stewardship credits and what they could mean for coastal communities. Cheryl redefines how we think about underwater infrastructure, reminds us that ecosystems need “preventative care” just like humans, and presents a vision for the Oregon coast where capital flows directly to the people stewarding our lands and waters. Guests: Cheryl Chen, CEO and Co-Founder of Salmon Returns Show Notes and Credits To learn more about stewardship credits, check out these resources: * The BioFi Project * Can 'Biodiversity Credits' Boost Conservation? * Biodiversity Credit Alliance * Regen Registry You can find Cheryl’s presentation from the Mariculture Future Forum here. To learn more about Salmon Returns, visit salmonreturns.com. This episode was hosted and written by Jon Bonkoski and Kaitlyn Rich. Edited by Suzie O’Neill, with production support from Megan Foucht, Emilie Chen, and Tyson Rasor. Music by Imagined Nostalgia, Boxwood Orchestra, and Our Many Stars. Illustrations by Tony Sterling and design by Heldáy de la Cruz. This podcast was made possible by our funders at Builders Vision Philanthropy; Builders Vision invests in and col­lab­o­rates with nonprof­its, busi­ness­es, and oth­ers work­ing towards sus­tain­able solu­tions to soci­etal and envi­ron­men­tal chal­lenges. Finally, this podcast is a production from Ecotrust, where we work in partnership at the intersection of equity, economy, and environment. Learn more at ecotrust.org This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ecotrust.substack.com

    29 min
  2. Bonus: What It's Like to Dive

    Apr 24 ·  Bonus

    Bonus: What It's Like to Dive

    In this bonus episode of Tending the Tides, divers share what it’s really like to harvest purple sea urchins beneath the rough waves of the Oregon coast. Through conversations with Brad Bailey and Nate Jones, we learn about the physical intensity and technical skill behind this work—from battling powerful surge to spending hours tethered below the surface. Guests: Brad Bailey, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of OoNee Sea Urchin Ranch; Nate Jones, Chief Scientist with Oregon Seaweed and Commercial Urchin Diver at OoNee Sea Urchin Ranch. Show Notes & Credits Visit oo-nee.com and oregonseaweed.com to learn more about Nate and Brad’s work. This episode was hosted by Tyson Rasor. Written by Emilie Chen and edited by Suzie O’Neill, with production support from Megan Foucht, Kaitlyn Rich, Tyson Rasor and Jon Bonkoski. Music by Imagined Nostalgia and Boxwood Orchestra. Illustrations by Tony Sterling and design by Heldáy de la Cruz. This podcast was made possible by our funders at Builders Vision Philanthropy; Builders Vision Philanthropy invests in and col­lab­o­rates with nonprof­its, busi­ness­es, and oth­ers work­ing towards sus­tain­able solu­tions to soci­etal and envi­ron­men­tal chal­lenges. Lastly, this podcast is a production from Ecotrust, where we work in partnership at the intersection of equity, economy, and environment. Learn more about Ecotrust at ecotrust.org. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ecotrust.substack.com

    11 min
  3. Episode 5: An Ecosystem Balancing Act

    Apr 10

    Episode 5: An Ecosystem Balancing Act

    Welcome back for another episode of Tending the Tides: Stories of Mariculture on the Oregon Coast. In Episode 5, hosts Jon Bonkoski and Suzie O’Neill uncover the issues of sea urchin overpopulation and the disappearance of kelp forest along the Oregon coast, as well as what small businesses and research organizations are doing about it. Guests: Tom Calvanese, Director of the Oregon Kelp Alliance; Dr. Sara Hamilton, Science Coordinator at the Oregon Kelp Alliance; Brad Bailey, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of OoNee Sea Urchin Ranch; Aaron Huang, Co-founder and President of OoNee Sea Urchin Ranch; Nate Jones, Chief Scientist with Oregon Seaweed and Commercial Urchin Diver at OoNee Sea Urchin Ranch; Jeff Griffin, Strategic Director at the Port of Bandon. Show Notes & Credits This episode was hosted by Suzie O’Neill and Jon Bonkoski. Written by Tyson Rasor, Megan Foucht, and Jon Bonkoski. Edited by Tyson Rasor. Produced by Megan Foucht, Emilie Chen, and Kaitlyn Rich. Music by Imagined Nostalgia, Boxwood Orchestra, and Our Many Stars. Illustrations by Tony Sterling and design by Heldáy de la Cruz. This podcast was made possible by our funders at Builders Vision Philanthropy; Builders Vision invests in and col­lab­o­rates with nonprof­its, busi­ness­es, and oth­ers work­ing towards sus­tain­able solu­tions to soci­etal and envi­ron­men­tal chal­lenges. Finally, this podcast is a production from Ecotrust, where we work in partnership at the intersection of equity, economy, and environment. Learn more at ecotrust.org This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ecotrust.substack.com

    32 min
  4. Episode 4: A Seaweed Snack

    Feb 20

    Episode 4: A Seaweed Snack

    In this episode of Tending the Tides, hosts Kaitlyn Rich and Emilie Chen dive into the vibrant world of seaweed—from Oregon’s rich kelp forests to the salty seaweed snacks of their childhoods. Through conversations with marine biologists, entrepreneurs, and Chef Strong from our previous episode, they uncover kelp’s vital role in sustaining marine ecosystems and buffering climate impacts. They also explore the growing movement to farm seaweed along the Oregon coast and reflect on the deep cultural connections that Tribes and immigrant communities in Oregon have long held with seaweeds and kelps. Guests: Sara Hamilton, Science Coordinator at the Oregon Kelp Alliance; Alanna Kieffer, marine biologist and owner of Shifting Tides; Chuck Toombs, Founder and CEO of Oregon Seaweed; Jason Busch, Founder and COO of Oregon Seaweed; Chef Jack Strong, Executive Chef at the Allison Inn and Spa; Aaron Huang, Founder of Oo-Nee Sea Ranch; Tom Calvanese, Director of the Oregon Kelp Alliance. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ecotrust.substack.com

    25 min
  5. Episode 3: Restoring the Olympia Oyster

    Jan 16

    Episode 3: Restoring the Olympia Oyster

    In Episode 3 of Tending the Tides, hosts Kaitlyn Rich and Megan Foucht explore the history and significance of the Olympia oyster, the only native oyster on the West Coast. Through conversations with restoration practitioners, chefs, and others, Megan and Kaitlyn introduce you to the Olympia oyster, discuss current and past restoration efforts, and highlight why this little oyster is worth saving. Guests: Steve Rumrill, retired leader of the Shellfish Program at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; Chef Jack Strong, Executive Chef at the Allison Inn and Spa; Chef Maylin Chavez, owner of Nácar Oysters; Dick Vanderschaaf,  Associate Conservation Director for the Oceans and Coast Program within the Oregon chapter of The Nature Conservancy; Jed Bowers, owner of Haystack Shellfish Company; and Alanna Kieffer, Shifting Tides and Oregon Seaweed. Show Notes & Credits This episode was hosted by Megan Foucht and Kaitlyn Rich, edited by Suzie O’Neill, and written by Megan Foucht. Produced by Kaitlyn Rich, Jon Bonkoski, Tyson Rasor, and Emilie Chen. Music by Imagined Nostalgia, Boxwood Orchestra, and Our Many Stars. Illustrations by Tony Sterling and design by Heldáy de la Cruz. This podcast was made possible by our funders at the Builders Initiative; The Builders Ini­tia­tive invests in and col­lab­o­rates with nonprof­its, busi­ness­es, and oth­ers work­ing towards sus­tain­able solu­tions to soci­etal and envi­ron­men­tal chal­lenges. Finally, this podcast is a production of Ecotrust, where we work in partnership at the intersection of equity, economy, and environment. Learn more about Ecotrust at ecotrust.org. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ecotrust.substack.com

    31 min
  6. Bonus: How to Shuck an Oyster

    12/19/2025 ·  Bonus

    Bonus: How to Shuck an Oyster

    Winter is oyster season! In this bonus episode of Tending the Tides, Chef Maylin Chavez teaches us how to shuck an oyster. All you need is a shucking knife, a towel, and some Oregon oysters, and Chef Maylin will expertly guide you through the process. Happy shucking! Guests: Maylin Chavez, owner of Nácar Oysters Show Notes & Credits You can learn more about Chef Maylin Chavez’s work on her website, nácaroysters.com. This episode was hosted by Tyson Rasor. Written by Megan Foucht. Edited by Suzie O’Neill, with production support from Kaitlyn Rich and Jon Bonkoski. Music by Imagined Nostalgia and Our Many Stars. Illustrations by Tony Sterling and design by Heldáy de la Cruz. This podcast was made possible by our funders at the Builders Initiative. The Builders Ini­tia­tive invests in and col­lab­o­rates with nonprof­its, busi­ness­es, and oth­ers work­ing towards sus­tain­able solu­tions to soci­etal and envi­ron­men­tal chal­lenges. Lastly, this podcast is a production from Ecotrust, where we work in partnership at the intersection of equity, economy, and environment. Learn more about Ecotrust at ecotrust.org. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ecotrust.substack.com

    10 min
  7. Episode 2: On the Half Shell

    11/10/2025

    Episode 2: On the Half Shell

    Welcome back for another episode of Tending the Tides: Stories of Mariculture on the Oregon Coast. In Episode 2, hosts Megan Foucht and Jon Bonkoski explore the history of oyster farming and dive into how oysters are grown, harvested, and eaten in Oregon. Hear from Xin Liu (Oregon Oyster Farms), Jed Bowers (Haystack Shellfish Company), and Alex Manderson (Oregon Department of Agriculture) about the challenges and opportunities facing Oregon’s oyster industry. Guests: Xin Liu, owner of Oregon Oyster Farms; Jed Bowers, owner of Haystack Shellfish Company; Alex Manderson, Shellfish Specialist at the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Show Notes & Credits Note: Ostrea gigas was the original scientific name given to the Pacific oyster, also know as the Japanese oyster, in 1793. The Pacific oyster was later reclassified to Crassostrea gigas, and was reclassified again in 2017 to Magallana gigas. This episode was hosted and co-written by Megan Foucht and Jon Bonkoski. Edited by Suzie O’Neill. Co-produced by Emilie Chen, Kaitlyn Rich, and Tyson Rasor. Music by Imagined Nostalgia and Boxwood Orchestra. Illustrations by Tony Sterling and design by Heldáy de la Cruz. This podcast was made possible by our funders at the Builders Initiative; The Builders Ini­tia­tive invests in and col­lab­o­rates with nonprof­its, busi­ness­es, and oth­ers work­ing towards sus­tain­able solu­tions to soci­etal and envi­ron­men­tal chal­lenges. Lastly, this podcast is a production from Ecotrust, where we work in partnership at the intersection of equity, economy, and environment. Learn more about Ecotrust at ecotrust.org. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ecotrust.substack.com

    30 min
  8. Episode 1: Introducing Tending the Tides

    10/07/2025

    Episode 1: Introducing Tending the Tides

    Introducing a new podcast from Ecotrust called Tending the Tides: Stories of Mariculture on the Oregon Coast. In this first episode, hosts Suzie O’Neill and Tyson Rasor dive into some of the foundational ideas, opportunities, and challenges around developing a thriving mariculture sector on the Oregon coast. Hear from Karina Nielsen, Director of Oregon Sea Grant, and Tom Calvanese, Director of Oregon Kelp Alliance, as they walk listeners through concepts of the Oregon Way, Natural Capital, and visions for the future of mariculture in Oregon. Guests: Karina Nielsen, Director of Oregon Sea Grant; Tom Calvanese, Director of Oregon Kelp Alliance. Show Notes & Credits This episode was hosted by Tyson Rasor and Suzie O’Neill. Written by Emilie Chen. Produced and edited by Kaitlyn Rich. Music by Imagined Nostalgia and Boxwood Orchestra. Illustrations by Tony Sterling and design by Heldáy de la Cruz. The idea and concepts for the show are thanks to Jon Bonkoski and Megan Foucht. This podcast was made possible by our funders at the Builders Initiative. The Builders Ini­tia­tive invests in and col­lab­o­rates with non-prof­its, busi­ness­es, and oth­ers work­ing towards sus­tain­able solu­tions to soci­etal and envi­ron­men­tal chal­lenges. This podcast is a production from Ecotrust, where we work in partnership at the intersection of equity, economy, and environment. Learn more about Ecotrust at ecotrust.org. Thanks for listening to Ecotrust presents Tending the Tides! Subscribe so you never miss an episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ecotrust.substack.com

    23 min
  9. Tending the Tides: Trailer

    Trailer

    Tending the Tides: Trailer

    This Fall 2025, explore the Oregon coast with “Tending the Tides,” a new limited series podcast produced by Ecotrust. Dive into the world of mariculture and hear from oyster growers, scientists, seafood enthusiasts, and others as they share their expertise on the farming of marine life for food, restoration, and cultural knowledge. Learn more at ecotrust.org/tendingthetides. Credits: This trailer was narrated by Tyson Rasor. Written and edited by Emilie Chen. Music by Imagined Nostalgia. Illustrations by Tony Sterling and design by Heldáy de la Cruz. This podcast was made possible by our funders at the Builders Initiative. The Builders Ini­tia­tive invests in and col­lab­o­rates with non-prof­its, busi­ness­es, and oth­ers work­ing towards sus­tain­able solu­tions to soci­etal and envi­ron­men­tal chal­lenges. Thanks for listening to “Tending the Tides,” by Ecotrust. Subscribe for free so you never miss an episode! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ecotrust.substack.com

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Along the Oregon coast, a growing mariculture sector—the farming of marine life for food, restoration, conservation, or cultural knowledge—is building community wealth, an equitable economy, and climate resilience. Through an episodic podcast, we explore how “ocean farming” of oysters, urchins, and seaweeds can help develop a thriving and equitable economy and revitalize Oregon’s coastal communities. This podcast aims to build public awareness of what it means to farm in the sea and to share little-known stories about mariculture-based environmental restoration. ecotrust.substack.com

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