ByIndustry Communications and Engagement Manager
The Oregon Ocean Cluster has been selected as a finalist for the Regenerative Travel Impact Awards!
Each year, Regenerative Travel highlights organizations and individuals who are ‘Redefining how we explore the world – proving that travel can be a force for regeneration, restoration, and deep connection.’
The Oregon Ocean Cluster is thrilled to be selected for representation in two categories: Food & Agriculture, and Initiative of the Year.
Why the Oregon Ocean Cluster?
On a coastline where nearly 90% of locally harvested seafood is exported—and most seafood consumed is imported—we recognize a profound disconnect touching culture, community, and resilience. Inspired by the Iceland Ocean Cluster model, The Oregon Ocean Cluster is transforming how coastal communities value and use their marine resources, strengthening local supply chains, supporting small-scale fishers, and reconnecting both residents and visitors to the true source of their food.
Over the past year, the Oregon Ocean Cluster has rapidly evolved from vision to tangible change. We are convening diverse stakeholders through relationship-building events, strategic deep dives, economic summits, and collaborative workshops that are shaping a shared future for the region’s blue economy.
Key milestones include the opening of the Central Coast Food Web’s upgraded Yaquina Lab, the first shared-use commercial kitchen and cold-storage facility of its kind on the coast—made possible through advocacy for House Bill 3410. This facility now provides vital infrastructure for small producers and emerging food entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, Oregon Seafare’s High School Seafood Butchery Program has grown from a five-school pilot to a nine-school network across five counties, supported by partners such as OSU’s Seafood Lab and Local Ocean. The program introduces students to Oregon seafood while cultivating the next generation of workers in the region’s resilient marine economy.
Through partnerships with chefs, processors, educators, innovators, and cultural leaders, The OCC is advancing a circular, place-based seafood system in pursuit of the 100% model, where every part of the fish can be used—from food to cosmetics to pet products—reducing waste while expanding economic opportunity. Events like Winter Waters further demonstrate how tourism can celebrate local heritage, generate year-round prosperity, and deepen visitor connection to the coast.
These awards honor global changemakers who champion regenerative principles and work to create a more equitable, resilient, and life-giving future. We’re honored to be included among a lineup of inspiring organizations taking on big-picture projects around the world.
Explore these other projects, and cast your vote for Oregon’s seafood economy by voting for the People’s Choice Award!
Vote here: https://www.regenerativetravel.com/impact-awards/
Story brought to you by Oregon Ocean Cluster
Blue Foods Forum
February 1-2 in Portland OR
PS: Big things are underfoot for the Oregon Ocean Cluster this winter, including the second annual Blue Foods Forum happening February 1-2. Tickets go on sale soon!
Investors, producers, chefs, innovators, creatives, and food leaders: join us for two days of connections, ideas, and actionable next steps to capitalize on the momentum of Oregon’s blue economy.
Read more about what’s happened since last year’s Blue Foods Forum here.