The Cold California Current
The Cold California Current is a Pacific Ocean current that flows southward along the western coast of North America, from British Columbia to Baja California. It is part of the North Pacific gyre and carries cold, nutrient rich waters from the subarctic region. This current plays a major role in the climate and marine ecosystems along the coast.
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The cold water moderates temperatures along the coast, keeping summers cooler in places like Los Angeles and Ensenada.
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As the current moves south, it causes upwelling, where deep, nutrient rich water rises to the surface. This supports abundant marine life and thriving fisheries.
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The nutrients brought by upwelling fuel plankton growth, supporting fish like sardines and anchovies, which in turn sustain marine predators.
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During El Niño, the current weakens, reducing upwelling and leading to warmer, less productive waters. During La Niña, the current strengthens, boosting upwelling and marine productivity.
Because of this current, Baja California's coast, where we operate, has cool, nutrient rich waters ideal for oyster and shellfish farming. This is one reason why our Kumiai Oysters develop their distinctive flavor and briny profile.
Cold Condition
Our oyster farm, located midway alongside the Baja California Peninsula in a federally protected coastal lagoon with cold waters; called the Ojo the Liebre Biosphere. Once the oysters mature, they are transferred to our mussel farm in Ensenada Bay for a two week cold shower.
Thanks to the California Current, we benefit from the consistent cold water conditions, reducing the risk of harmful algal blooms (which thrive in warmer waters). This makes it possible to sustainably farm oysters year-round with minimal environmental impact.
By immersing our oysters in the colder waters of the open ocean with a temperature of 3 °C (37.4 °F) in our Off Shore Mussel Farm, we subject them to a rigorous conditioning process that enhances their strength in every possible way.
Check our social media to explore the freshness of our products. We sell fresh oysters and other shellfish year-round.
