Oregon Ocean Cluster
WHY NOW?
We are halfway through the United Nations Decade of Action—ten years to transform our world.
Global food demand is projected to rise by up to 60% by 2050. At the same time, kelp forests and marine ecosystems are rapidly declining – and working waterfronts and food producers are navigating ecological change, market shifts, and the need for long-term economic resilience.
The ocean holds the key. A truly ocean-inclusive food system can provide nutrient-dense, low-carbon protein, restore ecosystems through regenerative aquaculture, strengthen coastal economies and food security, and sustain working waterfronts and coastal jobs.
The Environment
Across the globe, consumers are making more conscientious food choices to reduce their carbon footprint. Oregon’s food industries have a special opportunity to support this trend by increasing the availability of local foods, saving the atmosphere from the carbon cost of food transportation.
Public Health
Food is a primary component of nearly every social determinant of health. Eating local seafood brings food security to rural communities, builds community resilience, reconnects communities to the high quality food just off our coast, and ensures high levels of food safety.
Economic Development
Oregon coast visitors spend about $840,000,000 on food stores and food services annually, contributing tremendous amounts of new money to our local economies each year. Even just a 10% increase in local seafood usage on the Oregon Coast would generate an additional $90 million for local economies.
Human Rights
Does the seafood on your plate carry a legacy of human rights abuses? Seafood imported from overseas has been linked to labor abuse, human trafficking, and illegal fishing practices. Eating Oregon seafood is the best way to know that no one was harmed in the making of your meal.
the ‘why’ in oregon
$840,000,000 is spent on Oregon coast food stores and services annually – but 90% of the seafood sold and consumed on the Oregon coast is imported from distant domestic and foreign markets, while most Oregon-caught seafood is immediately exported.
This results in an economic leakage of around $252 million a year.
Our 360 degree investment into a resilient blue economy touches every aspect of our state, and directly defines our future.
SOLUTIONS
Oregon fishers, processors, distributors, and users need resources and partnerships to build an effective and reliable local supply chain.
The Oregon Ocean Cluster aims to help make these resources available through our six key strategic initiatives.
Learn more here
The Oregon Ocean Cluster brings together policymakers, impact investors, funders, producers, nonprofits, researchers, creatives, and community organizers to accelerate solutions that advance policy and investment for sustainable blue food systems, and unlock actionable pathways toward a resilient, equitable food future.