San Diego seafood supplier goes solar

Catalina Offshore Products recently took a big step toward becoming more environmentally friendly. The San Diego-based supplier of sea urchin and sushi products on Thursday switched its operations to solar power and now runs on about 90 percent solar power.

The company made the decision to switch to solar power to keep in line with its emphasis on sustainability.

“It’s good for business and it’s good for the environment,” said Dave Rudie, the company’s owner.

The transfer took about one month and cost Catalina almost USD 1 million. However, Rudie said within five years the system will pay for itself thanks to tax credits and rebates.

“It’s a sustainable source of power that will be free after five years,” explained Rudie. “Sea urchins are damaged by highly acidic waters, so as CO2 increases in the ocean, sea urchins may experience problems. By switching to solar power, we’re not going to produce carbon dioxide.”

The switch to solar power is just the latest in a line of moves Catalina has made to become a more green company.

The supplier turns waste from byproducts or processing sea urchins into recreational fishing bait called Uni Goop® and Uni Butter®.

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