Our services
Tagal Oceanic provides a diverse range of programs and services focused on education, sustainability, and marine conservation.
Program 1: The Merroir of Seafood
Just as terroir shapes the flavor of wine and land-based foods, merroir reflects how the ocean environment, feed, and farming practices influence the flavor and quality of seafood. Through hands-on field visits, guided tastings, and in-depth discussions, participants develop aquaculture literacy and gain the tools to critically assess the sourcing, sustainability, and sensory qualities of the seafood they prepare and serve.
This immersive educational initiative introduces chefs and culinary students to the concept of merroir—the “taste of the sea.”
Program 2: Mark’s Rockfish Rangers
Mark Tagal is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in marine fish larviculture, most notably as the first person to successfully rear yelloweye rockfish from birth through metamorphosis, identifying critical developmental milestones. During his role as a former NOAA scientist, Mark has been honored for his contributions to the species recovery and continues to support rockfish restoration efforts under the Puget Sound Rockfish Recovery Act. Deeply committed to public education, he shares his expertise on the behavior, anatomy, and ecological role of rockfish, an iconic, long-lived species now listed as endangered and considered a vital bioindicator of ecosystem health in Washington’s coastal waters.
Rockfish Rangers is a community outreach and education initiative supporting rockfish restoration
Program 3: Forage Fish Friends
Forage Fish Friends is an engaging marine education program led by award-winning aquaculturist Mark Tagal of Tagal Oceanic, designed to connect students, teachers, fishers, and community members to the vital role of forage fish in coastal ecosystems.
Through hands-on classroom visits, teacher trainings, public talks, and beach spawning events, participants explore the life cycle of species like Surf smelt and Pacific herring while learning about their ecological importance and connection to food webs. Activities include microscope labs, storytelling, and citizen science on Washington’s beaches, inspiring stewardship and science literacy. The program is part of a broader Tagal Oceanicʻs mission to foster environmental awareness through education, outreach, and innovation.
