CARLSBAD, Calif. — Carlsbad Aquafarm is saying goodbye to the Agua Hedionda Lagoon after the property owner, NRG Energy, discontinued the aquafarm’s lease.
Thomas Grimm, CEO of Carlsbad Aquafarm, says he will pursue several other environmental enterprises along the Southern California coastline.
"Our farm is not some gigantic economic powerhouse. It's a small farm. It doesn't have the kind of economic benefits that would be derived if they had some other kinds of large destination resort complex," Grimm shared.
"We're in the process of packing up a lot of our equipment and gear that we've been using to grow oysters and muscles for the last many decades,” Grimm added. “And most of that is being donated to other shellfish farmers and research scientists."
The Carlsbad Aquafarm has grown oysters and other shellfish for decades and traces its roots in the area to the 1950's. Grimm says the aqua farm is shifting their focus from shellfish farming to coastal habitat restoration. The farm will officially be closed on August 15th.
"It's bittersweet to say goodbye to doing what I've been doing, and I'll miss that part of my life but it's already filled up with a lot of other stuff I'm doing with shoreline restoration work and other things that provide a lot of satisfaction with what I'm doing."
CBS 8 featured Tom and the aquafarm in an Earth 8 report in 2021.
Now that they're closing, Tom will continue his efforts to save the world -or at least our coastline with several other projects - with the same love and respect for mother nature.
"Growing shellfish is one of the most sustainable ways of creating seafood, and our approach isn't that we just grow it, we distribute it locally,” Grimm said.
Scientists at The California Aquaculture Association estimate between 62% and 65% of seafood consumed in the United States is imported.
In a statement to CBS8, NRG says:
“For many years, Cabrillo Power I LLC (an affiliate of NRG), has allowed Carlsbad Aquafarm, Inc. limited use of five acres of property in the outer Agua Hedionda Lagoon and along the south shore adjacent to the former Encina power plant. In recent years, the landscape of the property has changed rapidly. Among other things, the Encina power plant has now been removed, the ocean desalination plant is installing a new water intake structure and the Encina site now hosts temporary Fire Station No. 7 for the City of Carlsbad. As part of this changing landscape, Cabrillo Power I LLC provided the requisite notice that it is discontinuing Carlsbad Aqua Farm’s license to use the property, and has allowed ample time for the farm to remove its facilities and vacate the premises.
As far as the future of the former Encina power plant site is concerned, community engagement is key. The City’s general plan will guide the nature of the planning and overall development of this important part of Carlsbad.”
Grimm shared with CBS 8 that he's grateful for the time he's had to do something he loves so very much.
"NRG has got their own vision. They're working closely with the city and with other planners as to what will be the highest best use of this amazing lagoon for the community and one that also has some economic benefit to the city as well."
It's work that Grimm says, he'll continue while looking ahead to what's next for the area.
"That's why Carlsbad is such a special place for me because the culture here is made of a lot of people who care about the environment," Grimm said.
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