News

Nordic Aquafarms Expands Aquaculture Facility Plans

Nordic Aquafarms has expanded its vision for a big land-based fish farm on the Samoa Peninsula.

On April 29, the Norwegian company agreed to lease an extra three acres of the former Evergreen Pulp Mill property from the Humboldt County Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District.

The agreement between Nordic Aquafarms and The Harbor District states that they will collaborate on a relocation plan for the tenants with long-term leases in the building. Nordic Aquafarms will also be responsible for demolition of the buildings on the additional acreage.

The company also announced it will apply for aquaculture permits for both Steelhead and Atlantic Salmon.

Humboldt Bay commissioner Greg Dale loses job at Coast Seafoods

Major shellfish wholesaler Coast Seafoods has terminated Greg Dale, a Humboldt Bay official who says the separation will ease his conflict of interest in future harbor decisions involving his now former employer.

Dale’s most recent title was coastal operations manager for Coast Seafoods, the largest producer of shellfish in California and a prominent seafood company at the harbor. Since 2011, Dale has served on the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District’s board of commissioners.

Waterkeeper's Safety Recommendations for COVID-19

Since the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has been detected in wastewater, Waterkeeper Alliance recommends against fishing, surfing, or swimming in waters near communities with a COVID-19 outbreak, especially following a rainstorm. We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.

Coastal Commissioner Steve Padilla hospitalized with COVID-19

Coastal Commissioner and Chula Vista Councilmember Steve Padilla was admitted to the hospital and placed on a respirator to aid with difficulty breathing associated with COVID-19. Padilla, who has asthma, asked his daughter to pass on this message:

“Everyone needs to take COVID-19 seriously. Please follow the advice of our public health professionals to reduce spread of the virus and take precautions to keep your families and our community safe.”

He had recently traveled through the San Jose Airport, where multiple TSA agents have tested positive.

Island of Resilience: The Wiyot Reclaim Their Land and Culture from a Dark Past

This past October, the City of Eureka returned the island to the Wiyot people. Although in 2014 the Wiyot Tribe was able to complete the World Renewal Ceremony that was cut short by the massacre, this March, they will be holding this sacred ceremony on their own island. The land, which has long been known as Indian Island, will now be called by the Wiyot name, Tuluwat Island. This unconditional return of land by a U.S. city to its original Native owners is a historic opportunity for both the tribe and the island to heal.

“This story tells you that you can change history,” said Tribal Administrator Michelle Vassel. “But it doesn’t happen just because it’s right. It takes a lot of people working over time.”