Tending the Tides: Stories of Mariculture on the Oregon Coast

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 w...

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 Chie...

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;...

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...

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....

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 websit...

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 t...

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 O...

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...