About Us

Oregon Aquaculture Association is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization.  The purpose is to achieve the following goals:
  1. to provide a medium of exchange of experiences and discussions of industry problems
  2. to promote public education
  3. to advocate just and proper laws and regulations that impact aquaculture
  4. to recommend research and education initiatives to research facilities and universities that will meet the current and future needs of the aquaculture industry
  5. to conduct any and all activities necessary for the advancement, promotion, expansion and well-being of the aquaculture industry in Oregon

                             Bylaws  |  Member Policies (Antitrust Statement & Ethical Conduct)
Oregon Aquaculture Association
​is a proud member of the
​National Aquaculture Association.  
Brian Trout Ranch in Sandy, Oregon owned by Gary and Susan Brian.

News & Updates

Our Board

Clinton Bentz, President
Blue Den Ranch, Scio, OR
cbentz@bcsllc.com
(503) 769-2186
​Clinton J. Bentz is a CPA, CMA for Boldt, Carlisle & Smith, LLC, primarily providing professional tax, estate planning and business consulting serving the special needs of agricultural and timber clients.  He manages his 25 acre tree farm and 700-acre family tree partnership at Blue Den Ranch where Clint raises trout for pond stocking and for flyfishing.  Clint was honored by Governor Kulongoski for his participation in salmon recovery. 

Clint is active in small woodland management in State and national organizations and in 2001, he and his father were honored as Oregon Tree Farmers of the Year.  In 2002 they were recognized as Western Region and National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year. 
Kathy Bridges, Secretary & Treasurer
Santiam Valley Ranch, Turner, OR
kathylynnebridges@gmail.com
(971) 270-0667
Kathy Bridges has a Bachelor's degree in Zoology and a Masters in Resource Economics.  Since 1980, she manages her 150-acre farm raising warm-water fish, sheep, duck hunting and crops, in addition to other off farm employment.  Santiam Valley Ranch was honored in 2014 as Sustainable Small Business of the Year in Marion County.

Our History

Picture
Winter at Brian Trout Ranch
Oregon Aquaculture Association (OAA) was established in September of 2004 by a small group of producers led by Clint Bentz, Blue Den Ranch.  Those involved sold fish for pond stocking and U-Fish catch and release facilities.  Prior to establishment of OAA, and continuing to the present, producers are acknowledged and certified by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife as fish propagators. All transport of fish in Oregon requires a transportation permit issued by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Regulations are in place to avoid introduction of invasive/exotic fish species and diseases within Oregon.

In less than six months, OAA introduced four bills to the legislature.  OAA managed to pass one bill which ensures that “fish farming” is an outright, rather than conditional use, on land zoned as Exclusive Farm Use (EFU). 

During this time, OAA expanded its networking by co-sponsoring a seafood and fish dinner for Oregon’s legislators. The endeavor was joined by the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission, Oregon Anglers, Association of Liquor Stores, Mt. Hood Beverage and Pacific Seafood.  Audrey McCall, wife of former Governor Tom McCall, and many others enjoyed the fish fry, spearheaded by Desert Springs Trout Farm.  During this time, OAA also developed a working relationship with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife with goals to address aquaculture issues prioritizing fish health examinations.  Read more...
Pictured at top of page: Blue Den Ranch, Scio, Oregon, owned by brothers Clint and Randy Bentz.
© Oregon Aquaculture Association 2018
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