Humboldt Bay in northern California is one of the most important places for birds along the Pacific Flyway, so when a proposal surfaced recently to convert its eelgrass beds and mudflats to oyster farms, Audubon California and its conservation partners swung into action to defend this vital habitat. We have brought in-depth science to our advocacy before the local harbor commission charged with approving the project. Thousands of online activists have submitted comments opposing the proposal.

Humboldt Bay supports an incredible 60 percent of migrating Pacific Brant Geese, as well as between 10 to 20 percent of all wintering Marbled Godwits, Semipalmated and Least Sandpipers, and Willets, as well as tens of thousands of other shorebirds. These eelgrass beds are the heart of the Bay's Pacific herring run which provides essential food for Surf Scoters, Western Grebes, Clark's Grebes.

Audubon California is arguing that while aquaculture has been compatible with birds in other locations, this project is unacceptable in its size and ecological impact.

There are two separate proposals to expand aquaculture operations in Humboldt Bay. 

• Coast Seafoods Company Initial Study
• Audubon CA, Earthjustice, Oceana and Redwood Region Audubon Society Coast Seafoods Comment Letter 
• Humboldt Bay Mariculture PrePermitting Project Draft Environmental Impact Report
• Audubon CA, Earthjustice, Oceana and Redwood Region Audubon Society Humboldt Bay Comment Letter