Chapter 6 Post-Harvest

6.1 Where does the seafood go?

Seafood landed in Santa Barbara is transported to processors, wholesalers, and restaurants all over California, and beyond.

Historically, over 80 percent of seafood landed in Santa Barbara has been purchased by buyers outside of Santa Barbara County. This can be caused by inadequate post-harvest infrustructure (processing facilities, cold storage, etc…). A great majority of this seafood was exported to Los Angeles County.
Recently, the trend has switched; more seafood landed in Santa Barbara is staying in Santa Barbara. This means that the economic benefit of the post harvest seafood supply chain is being captured to a greater extent, locally.

Destination of Commercial Seafood Landings, by County

Destination of Catch, by Proportion of Volume Landed

Destination of Catch, by Proportion of Ex-Vessel Value