Bernard Freeman is the owner of Santa Barbara Mariculture in California, operating the purpose-built longline boat Perseverance for offshore shellfish farming and kelp cultivation. Starting as a commercial diver in 1998, he has since expanded his operation into a research facility for offshore aquaculture. With a focus on sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change, Freeman emphasizes the need for love and care in his work, comparing it to being a cowboy tending to his herd.
Discover the Exciting World of Offshore Aquaculture with Bernard Freeman
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to run a unique and innovative offshore shellfish farm, look no further than Bernard Freeman, the owner of Santa Barbara Mariculture in California. Bernard’s passion for aquaculture shines through as he shares his journey of transforming a longline boat, the Perseverance, into a one-of-a-kind farm.
The Perseverance is a 30-foot flat boat specially designed for offshore farming, equipped with longlines that stretch a mile offshore in 80 feet of water. This makes it California’s first and only offshore shellfish farm, where Bernard is pioneering the growth of kelp alongside traditional shellfish.
Bernard’s story began in 1998 as a commercial diver scraping mussels off oil platforms. Fast forward to 2002, and he’s now focusing on expanding into kelp cultivation and transforming his farm into a research facility for offshore aquaculture. Through trial and error, Bernard is dedicated to exploring new ways to promote sustainable seafood production.
What sets Santa Barbara Maiculture apart is its self-contained system for processing, harvesting, and seeding shellfish. With real estate in Santa Barbara at a premium, Bernard has found a way to maximize efficiency on his offshore farm while minimizing environmental impact.
As Bernard explains, the future of food production may lie in the ocean, especially with the challenges of global climate change. By cultivating shellfish and algae, he’s found a way to minimize inputs while maximizing output. It’s a labor of love that requires constant attention to detail and a deep connection to the sea.
For Bernard, farming isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life. While he jokes about being a cowboy in another life, his dedication to the ocean and sustainable aquaculture practices shines through in every aspect of his work. From tending to longlines to nurturing shellfish with care, Bernard’s farm is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication.
So, whether you’re an experienced farmer looking to expand into aquaculture or a beginner curious about offshore farming, Bernard Freeman’s story is a testament to the possibilities that lie beneath the waves. Join him on his journey to redefine seafood production and discover the beauty of farming in the open ocean.
For more insights into the world of aquaculture and sustainable farming practices, stay tuned for more updates from Santa Barbara Mariculture. And remember, the future of food may just be waiting for us in the depths of the ocean.
