Blue Economy Symposium
the
Symposium
The Blue Economy Symposium is a collaboration between the City of Fort Bragg and California Sea Grant focusing on exploring the needs and potential for developing a resilient and vibrant blue economy in and around Fort Bragg. This symposium will bring together local, state and federal agencies to develop pathways forward for the community. The first day of the symposium will focus on city and harbor infrastructure needs, discussions with commercial/ recreational fishers and associated businesses about sustainable fishing economies, then followed by education, entrepreneurship and job force training considerations. The second day will explore the potential of developing an aquaculture park in the region. Speakers will present information on different aspects of current and potential aquaculture activities elsewhere in California that are restorative and/or commercial in nature. It is said that a rising tide lifts all boats… thank you for participating in this important conversation.
Blue Economy
May 19 to 22, 2022 – Fort Bragg, CA
The Blue Economy Symposium and Learning Festival is presented by Noyo Ocean Collective, a unique partnership uniting the City of Fort Bragg, Noyo Harbor District, Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo, Mendocino College, West Business Development Center and Noyo Center for Marine Science. Many thanks to California Sea Grant for their expertise, enthusiasm, and support over the past year to help make this happen.
Together we’ll explore opportunities and consider what a Blue Economy might look like on the Mendocino Coast.
BLUE ECONOMY OPPORTUNITIES
Along ocean coasts everywhere, a new path is emerging. Blue Economy is a way of considering economic development and ocean health as compatible. A place where economic activity is in balance with the long-term capacity of ocean ecosystems. It’s a fresh, exciting way of looking at everything from traditional marine sectors to new businesses focused on ocean resiliency, and it touches on activities related to climate change, fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, tourism and transportation.
ESTABLISHED INDUSTRIES
EMERGING INDUSTRIES
Fort Bragg Independence Day Fireworks
Fort Bragg Independence Day Fireworks
Saturday, July 5, 2025 at 9:30 PM
John Druecker Memorial Rhododendron Show
John Druecker Memorial Rhododendron Show
May 3 & 4, 2025 – Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Whale Fest
Whale Fest is taking over Downtown Fort Bragg on the weekend of March 15th through 17th and, like the migrating leviathans we celebrate, this year’s festivities will be bigger and better than ever. There’s a Downtown Wine Walk, the Fort Bragg Beer Festival, a 10k/5k Whale Run and Walk, a craft fair, live music, food trucks and much more.
Could there be a better time to visit Fort Bragg?
Of course, the whales will be moving through all winter, so if March 15th-17th doesn’t work out, no worries. Come anytime through April to see the amazing migration of Fort Bragg’s favorite cetaceans
All events take place rain or shine.
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Whale Run 5k & 10k and Fun Walk
Soroptimist International of Fort Bragg and Noyo Sunrise is proud to sponsor and host the ever-popular run and walk along the coast that includes a Kiddie Race, 10k and 5k runs and a Fun Walk.
Downtown Wine Walk
Saturday, March 16, 2024
The Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce and Visit Fort Bragg are thrilled to bring back the Fort Bragg Whale Festival Downtown Wine Walk. On Saturday, March 16 from 12:00 to 4:00 PM over a dozen merchants will host wineries and serve complimentary food to pair with wines.
Fort Bragg Rotary Club’s Beer Fest
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Rotary Beer Festival is back. Save the date and join us on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Eagles Hall (210 N. Corry) from Noon to 4:00 PM for an incredible selection of beer and some great live music from The Green Fields. Tickets are $40 and food will be available for purchase. So come taste some ales and watch the whales at this benefit for Fort Bragg Rotary Club with proceeds going to scholarships as well as local and international projects.
Symphony of the Redwoods
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Andrew Sords will be the featured artist on violin, with Bryan Nies conducting as the Symphony of the Redwoods performs the works of Bruch, Victor Bendix and Borodin at Cotton Auditorium on Saturday, March 16th at 7:30 PM.
Town Hall Craft Fair
Saturday & Sunday, March 16 & 17
The Soroptimists are hosting a whale of sale at Town Hall from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Treat yourself to a unique shopping experience at two craft fairs — one inside and one outside. You’ll find a wide variety of amazing, handcrafted items, from quilts and toys to iron works, pottery, knits and crochet, jewelry, paintings, tools, and puzzles. You won’t find a better place to get a one-of-a-kind gift for a fan of Fort Bragg.
Noyo Center Whale Events & Exhibits
Friday – Sunday, March 15 – 17
Join the Noyo Center for Marine Science throughout March for a variety of special events and exhibits to celebrate Whale Festival and the annual gray whale migration. Click the link below for the full schedule and remember that your support helps the Noyo Center do its incredible work.
Mendo Park Educational Activities
Friday – Sunday, March 15 – 17
Join MendoParks for free guided whale walks at MacKerricher State Park on Fridays and Saturdays in March, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. While you’re there, check out the gray whale skeleton articulation next to the Visitor Center.
Whale Watching Tours
Looking to get up close and personal with Fort Bragg’s migratory whales? Multiple whale watching charters depart out of Noyo Harbor throughout the season. You’ll find them below on the coastal activities page. Be sure to reach out to them directly for current weather conditions and departure times.
The Whale Trail
The Whale Trail is an organization committed to inspiring appreciation and protection of marine mammals, and several designated whale trail sites are in or near Fort Bragg, including Mendocino Botanical Gardens, Noyo Center for Marine Science and Laguna Point at MacKerricher State Park.
