^{Photo: Trav Williams}

when: 

 Sunday November 23, from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm and Monday November 24, from 8:30 am - 2:00 pm

where:

Bodega Bay, CA (address provided upon registration)

what:

The Fisherman's First Aid and Safety Training (FFAST) is a free two-day advanced first aid class offered to commercial fishermen who work in remote environments. The course adapts wilderness first aid principles to real-life scenarios that fishermen may encounter at sea. Successful completion of this course will fulfill the US Coast Guard Requirements for CPR/AED and Basic First Aid.

This course is open to both first-time students and returning students wishing to be recertified.

Registration is required in advance as space is limited to 12 students total (first-time students are given priority). The first to register are the first to secure a spot in the course, so please register early and contact Ashleigh Palinkas with any questions (email: apalinkas@ucsd.edu).

California Ocean Protection Council (OPC), in partnership with California Sea Grant, have funded $1.9 million for five research projects that will address microplastics in California. The five projects were selected through two research calls: 1) Improved Understanding of Aquatic Microplastic Contamination Sources and Ecological Sensitivity, and 2) Microplastic Removal Efficacy of Low Impact Development Structural Best Management Practices.

This meeting's purpose is to share the findings of these 5 research projects with the public and offer an opportunity for direct Q/A with researchers.  

Day 1: Monday, December 8th, 8 AM - 5PM

Day 2: Tuesday, December 9th, 8AM - 5PM

With Instructor David Rosson

This is an In-Person Training hosted by CA Sea Grant in La Jolla, CA

(REGister for Address and Details) 

Join us for an expert-led seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) training, providing participants with the knowledge and certification to meet FDA requirements, reduce food safety risks, and create a seafood HACCP plan.  

This training is directed at local seafood industry members, including:

1. Commercial fishermen with an interest in growing their knowledge of seafood safety compliance for business expansion or value-added processing.

2. Seafood processing staff, restaurant staff, and other relevant industry participants with an interest in seafood compliance.

3. Food safety coordinators or seafood logistics managers.

Upon successful completion, participants receive an official certificate from the Seafood HACCP Alliance/Association of Food and Drug Officials. 

This certificate: 

• Meets FDA requirements for "trained individual" status
• Has no expiration date
• Qualifies holders to develop, modify, and review HACCP plans for seafood processing operations
• Is recognized industry-wide for compliance with FDA seafood regulations 

Registration & Course Requirements:

• Full attendance for all 16 hours over 2 days is mandatory to receive certification of completion.
• Fill out the registration form before Wednesday, December 3rd, to register for the course.
• You will be emailed a link to waive or pay a registration fee. Contact us if the registration fee is a hardship.
• Registration fee (190.00) covers course materials, certificate, and lunch/refreshments.

Space is limited. Registration fees are waived for commercial fishermen with verification of commercial fishing participation. 

North Coast KelpFest! 2025

When: October 3-6, 2025 

Where: Mendocino & Fort Bragg

Art + Science + Food + Film 

The first North Coast KelpFest! was held from mid-May to mid-June 2024, bringing art, science, food and film together to tell the story of kelp forests on California’s north coast. Through a month long series of events, communities from across Northern California were invited to the Mendocino coast to learn about and celebrate the ocean’s forests, and connect with coastal ecosystems and culture in a meaningful way. The combination of innovative art + science, ocean-oriented and kelp-inspired events hosted through KelpFest! engaged the hearts and minds of people of all ages and ethnicities. These events were designed to contribute to the success of kelp restoration efforts and ultimately create sustained appreciation and stewardship for this ocean ecosystem.

The second North Coast KelpFest! is happening in Mendocino and Fort Bragg October 3-6, 2025.

Visit the website for a full overview of events! 

The California Seaweed Festival is a free, family-friendly event celebrating the seaweed diversity of California! The festival showcases seaweed ecology as well as applications in art, cooking, farming, science, sustainable technology, and conservation.

The festival moves to a different coastal location each year, so, every festival is unique, and carefully crafted to showcase how seaweed and ocean ecology intersect and support the coastal communities. 

DAy 1 - Ocean futures happy hour & film sequoias of the sea

thursday, October 9th

When: 7 am - 7 pm
Where: Santa Monica, California 

Join us for Ocean Futures Happy Hour & Film Sequoias of the Sea—an evening of community, conversation, and ocean storytelling.

Bookended by IGNITE22: Global Showcase and the California Seaweed Festival, this event brings together ocean innovators, advocates, and storytellers for a night of ocean sustainability.

Happy hour tickets - $10
Happy Hour & Screening Ticket - $20

Register to See Address
 

Day 2 - Seaweed Speakeasy Fundraiser

Friday, October 10th

When: 4 pm - 9 pm 
Where: AltaSea, Land’s End Berth 60, 2451 South Signal Street, San Pedro, CA, 90731

Join the California Seaweed Festival in collaboration with Blue Robotics, California Institute for the Arts and AltaSea for an exclusive evening of connection, innovation, and collaboration at the 2025 Seaweed Speakeasy!  The curated evening will bring together start-ups, researchers, investors, policy leaders, and creatives who are transforming how we work with ocean ecosystems in the rapidly evolving Blue Economy. We’re building a future where seaweed is key to California’s coastal health and flourishing economy.

Purchase Tickets 
 

day 3 - California Seaweed Festival at Sea Fair

Saturday, October 11th 

When: 10 am - 6 pm                                                                                                                                                                                       
Where: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium 

Festival Theme: Urban Ocean Ecosystems

Hands-on activities, Vendors, Food & Cooking Demos, Science & Technology, Live Music, Magical Creatures, Touch Tanks & more

All day fun free activities: Seaweed Pressing, Seaweed Printing, Seaweed Collage Table, Epoxy Resin Pendant making - limited, Seaweed Jenga, Meet the Mermaid’s of the Kelp Forest, and more!