Puget Sound Restoration Fund

What Puget Sound Restoration Fund does

Puget Sound Restoration Fund (PSRF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1997 and headquartered on Bainbridge Island, Washington, that executes in-water marine restoration across the Puget Sound region. The organization operates the Kenneth K. Chew Center for Shellfish Research and Restoration, a conservation hatchery it co-runs with NOAA's Northwest Fisheries Science Center under a CRADA at the Manchester Research Station, producing Olympia oyster, pinto abalone, bull kelp, sea cucumber, and cockle seed for restoration at 19 priority oyster sites, 36 pinto abalone sites, and 14 kelp index sites. PSRF's programmatic surface spans Olympia oyster restoration, pinto abalone recovery, bull kelp cultivation and monitoring (including the Eyes on Kelp initiative with Reef Check and robotic-vendor Marauder Robotics), ocean acidification research, sugar kelp mitigation trials, community shellfish farms (Port Madison CSA, Drayton Harbor, Henderson Inlet), the Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group, a Department of Health-coordinated shellfish biotoxin volunteer network, and the Sea-Land blue-carbon/soil-amendment program.

Revenue is a mix of unrestricted donations, recurring state appropriations ($448,000 per biennium from the Washington State Legislature, administered by WDFW), foundation grants (Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Russell Family Foundation, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, Benjamin & Margaret Hall Foundation, USDA Climate-Smart Commodities), Corporate and Tribal partnerships, Community Supported Aquaculture memberships at Port Madison, direct oyster and shellfish seed sales, and proceeds from signature fundraising events (Whiskies for Wildlife, Back-to-the-Beach Bash, Vodka Gin & Oysters). Customers and counterparts are a hybrid of Tribal co-managers (Suquamish, Squaxin Island, Swinomish, Nisqually, Lummi, and others), federal/state/local agencies (NOAA, WDFW, WDNR, EPA, DOH), academic institutions (UW, WSU, WWU, UWM), commercial shellfish growers (Taylor Shellfish, Baywater), foundations (TNC, Northwest Straits Commission, Paul Allen), and individual community members participating through CSA, volunteer monitoring, and oyster garden programs.

The organization is led by Executive Director Jodie Toft (PhD, UW Aquatic & Fishery Sciences), who assumed the role in mid-2024 from founder Betsy Peabody, with a 24+ person staff including PhD-level research directors, a hatchery director, program managers, and field/deployment support. PSRF holds a four-star Charity Navigator rating and remains actively operating, with the 2026 International Conference on Shellfish Restoration scheduled for October 4-7 in Shelton, WA.

Name

Puget Sound Restoration Fund

Legal name

Puget Sound Restoration Fund

Website

https://restorationfund.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Puget Sound Restoration Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1997 that restores marine habitat and native species — Olympia oysters, pinto abalone, and bull kelp — across Puget Sound through a NOAA-partnered conservation hatchery and Tribal, agency, and community partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Conservation and Habitat Restoration Services

NAICS

Shellfish Farming (112512), Aquaculture (11251), Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

SIC

Fishing, Hunting And Trapping (900)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine Shellfish Farming (e.g., oysters, mussels, clams) (AFAEAAAB), Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management (BPADALAI), Aquaculture Health, Biosecurity & Veterinary Services (AFAEAAAK)

Keywords

• Marine habitat restoration
• Shellfish conservation aquaculture
• Native species recovery
• Water quality improvement
• Oyster and kelp restoration

Headquarters

HQ city

Bainbridge Island

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, PSRF relies heavily on donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate sponsors. Donations are tax-deductible (Tax ID #91-1773965) and go directly to funding in-water restoration projects.
2. Community Supported Aquaculture (CSA) Program: Port Madison Community Shellfish Farm operates a CSA model where participants purchase seasonal memberships and receive shellfish deliveries. Proceeds support local water quality improvement projects and community engagement programs.
3. Oyster and Shellfish Sales: Sale of oysters from the Port Madison Community Shellfish Farm, including 'Port Madison Petites' available for purchase by the dozen. Also includes annual seed sales for shellfish gardeners.
4. Government Grants and Funding: Base level funding from Washington State Legislature ($448,000 per biennium as of 2017) covering approximately 50% of hatchery operating costs, administered by Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. Additional funding from NOAA and other government sources.
5. Event Fundraising: Signature events including Whiskies for Wildlife (annual), Back-to-the-Beach Bash (biennial), and hosting the International Conference on Shellfish Restoration generate proceeds benefiting PSRF.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Puget Sound Restoration Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit marine conservation organization that restores marine habitats, native species, and water quality throughout Puget Sound through in-water projects. It operates the Kenneth K. Chew Center for Shellfish Research and Restoration — a NOAA-partnered conservation hatchery producing Olympia oyster, pinto abalone, bull kelp, sea cucumber, and cockle seed for restoration — and delivers a portfolio of science-based programs including the Olympia Oyster Restoration, Pinto Abalone Recovery, Bull Kelp Recovery, Eyes on Kelp monitoring, Community Shellfish Farms, and Ocean Acidification mitigation programs. Supporting offerings include CSA memberships, oyster and shellfish seed sales, signature fundraising events, and a volunteer biotoxin monitoring network.

Product overview

Puget Sound Restoration Fund operates as a nonprofit marine conservation organization offering a portfolio of restoration programs rather than a commercial product platform. Its core programs include the Olympia Oyster Restoration Program, Pinto Abalone Recovery Program, Bull Kelp Recovery Program, and the Kenneth K. Chew Center for Shellfish Research and Restoration (a conservation hatchery operated with NOAA). Supporting programs include the Eyes on Kelp monitoring initiative, Ocean Acidification research program, Sugar Kelp Ocean Acidification Investigation, Community Shellfish Farms (including Port Madison CSA), Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group, Shellfish Biotoxin Monitoring Volunteer Network, and Sea-Land sustainability program. The organization also hosts fundraising events including Vodka Gin & Oysters, Annual Seed Sale, Back-to-the-Beach Bash, and Whiskies for Wildlife. These programs work together to restore marine habitats, species, and water quality throughout Puget Sound.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Olympia Oyster Restoration Program Collaborative restoration service re-establishing self-sustaining native Olympia oyster beds across Puget Sound through broodstock collection, spat-on-shell production, settlement structure enhancement, recruitment monitoring, and community engagement; delivered for Tribal, government, and foundation partners.
• Pinto Abalone Recovery Program Conservation aquaculture service raising and outplanting hatchery-reared pinto abalone using state-of-the-art techniques to recover a State-endangered species and maintain rocky reef habitat health; ~78,000 juveniles released since 2009 from 250+ genetically distinct families to 36 sites.
• Bull Kelp Recovery Program Restoration and monitoring service to reverse declines of Puget Sound kelp forests through restoration methods, broad-scale monitoring, cultivation, seed banking (29 collections), and community engagement; implemented under the Puget Sound Kelp Conservation and Recovery Plan.
• Eyes on Kelp Initiative Three-year kelp forest monitoring initiative leveraging dive surveys, robotic monitoring technology developed with Marauder Robotics, volunteer diver network through Reef Check, and tribal/agency partnerships across 14 index sites in the southern Salish Sea.
• Kenneth K. Chew Center for Shellfish Research and Restoration Conservation hatchery service operated in partnership with NOAA's Northwest Fisheries Science Center at Manchester Research Station, dedicated to producing Olympia oyster, pinto abalone, bull kelp, sea cucumber, and cockle seed for regional restoration; facility features continuous filtered seawater supply, temperature- and pH-controlled systems, ocean acidification research capabilities, microalgae culture, dedicated kelp lab, floating dock, FLUPSY, and tideland shellfish nursery.
• Ocean Acidification Program Research and in-water mitigation service developing effective strategies for ocean acidification including kelp cultivation, shellfish restoration, and selective breeding for OA tolerance.
• Port Madison Community Shellfish Farm CSA Membership Community Supported Aquaculture program on Bainbridge Island where members purchase seasonal memberships and receive shellfish deliveries during the spring/summer harvest, with proceeds supporting water quality and community engagement programs.
• Port Madison Petites Oysters (Direct Sales) Direct-to-consumer oyster sales — Port Madison Petites Pacific oysters available by the dozen for pickup at the PSRF office or during designated harvest dates; up to 1,500 dozen produced annually through volunteer-supported harvests.
• Annual Shellfish Seed Sale Annual sale of clean, healthy shellfish seed (oysters, clams, mussels) from certified sources sold to local shellfish gardeners at competitive rates.
• Shellfish Biotoxin Monitoring Volunteer Network Public health monitoring service coordinating trained volunteers with Washington State Department of Health to collect shellfish samples for biotoxin testing, enabling safe recreational harvesting and beach closures when toxins reach unsafe levels.
• Sugar Kelp Ocean Acidification Investigation Five-year research project investigating sugar kelp cultivation as a strategy for mitigating ocean acidification through improved seawater conditions or as shelter for sensitive species; funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and the U.S. Navy.
• Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group (PCRG) Collaborative research network promoting sustainable Dungeness crab populations through research, recruitment monitoring, and partnerships with Tribal Nations, agencies, and academic institutions across the Salish Sea.
• Sea-Land Program Sustainability program creating pathways for recycling excess nutrients from shellfish farms to upland areas, including seaweed harvesting for soil amendments, livestock feed additives, and collaborative projects with agricultural partners such as the Nisqually Indian Tribe (Sea-to-Feed) and UW/WSU/Washington Sea Grant (Blue Carbon Green Fields).

Quantifiable outcome

• Restored over 140 acres of Olympia oyster habitat as of early 2025, surpassing original 100-acre goal set in 2010
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and key.

• NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Long-term partnership operating the Kenneth K. Chew Center for Shellfish Research and Restoration at NOAA's Manchester Research Station through a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA). Collaboratively conducts and manages research and restoration activities for native shellfish and marine resources.
• Washington Department of Fish & WildlifecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Core advisory partner for Olympia oyster restoration following WDFW's 1998 stock rebuilding plan. Manages state funding for hatchery operations ($448,000 per biennium) and coordinates on habitat suitability index development.
• Suquamish TribecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShellfish co-manager providing tidelands for Port Madison Community Shellfish Farm. Partner in Olympia oyster restoration, cockle cultivation research, and kelp recovery efforts.
• Squaxin Island TribecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShellfish co-manager and partner in Olympia oyster restoration efforts, hosting conference keynote for 2026 International Conference on Shellfish Restoration.
• Swinomish Indian Tribal CommunitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTribal partner in Olympia oyster restoration and shellfish policy work. Collaborated on research publications and monitoring efforts.
• Taylor Shellfish FarmscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the largest producers of farmed shellfish in North America. Partner in Olympia oyster restoration and supporter of events including Oyster New Year.
• The Bay FoundationkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Eyes on Kelp initiative developing and field-testing new robotic monitoring technology for kelp forest assessment.
• Reef Check FoundationkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Eyes on Kelp initiative organizing and training volunteer diver network for kelp monitoring across Puget Sound.
• Marauder RoboticskeyTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner developing automated kelp forest monitoring and restoration technology for the Eyes on Kelp initiative.
• Nisqually Indian TribekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Sea-to-Feed project harvesting seaweed from shellfish farms for application as livestock feed additive and soil amendment at organic community garden.
• The Nature ConservancykeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing conservation partner collaborating on shellfish restoration network and marine ecosystem initiatives.
• Bloedel ReservecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides tidelands for Port Madison Community Shellfish Farm on Bainbridge Island, enabling CSA program and community engagement.
• University of WashingtonkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner providing research collaboration, graduate student mentorship, and scientific expertise across Olympia oyster, pinto abalone, and kelp programs.
• Northwest Straits CommissionkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Olympia oyster restoration and kelp recovery efforts, co-developing the Puget Sound Kelp Conservation and Recovery Plan.
• Jamestown S'Klallam TribekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerTribal partner in pinto abalone recovery efforts and kelp monitoring index sites.
• Washington Department of Natural ResourceskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner providing kelp monitoring data and collaborating on kelp index sites for Eyes on Kelp initiative.
• Baywater ShellfishkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerShellfish grower partner in Olympia oyster restoration, sugar kelp cultivation site, and seaweed recycling projects.
• Pacific HybreedkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in conservation hatchery research and restoration training course development with NOAA and UW.
• University of Washington (Sea-Land)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject lead for Blue Carbon Green Fields 5-year research project on scaling seaweed as agricultural soil amendment, in partnership with WSU, Washington Sea Grant, and Baywater Shellfish.
• Seattle AquariumkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit partner in pinto abalone recovery and kelp monitoring index sites.
• Washington State UniversitykeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in Henderson Inlet Community Shellfish Farm and Blue Carbon Green Fields seaweed research.
• Washington State Department of HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner coordinating shellfish biotoxin monitoring volunteer network, enabling beach closures when toxins reach unsafe levels.
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Alberto Research Group)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in bull kelp seed banking, collaborating on genetic conservation and restoration seed production.
• SeaDoc SocietykeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit partner in pinto abalone recovery and marine conservation research.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Surfrider Foundation: National coastal conservation nonprofit with active Pacific NW chapters that engage in water quality, kelp, and shoreline restoration. Comparable in its volunteer engagement model and coastal habitat focus, though broader in scope than PSRF's species-specific aquaculture work.
• The Nature Conservancy: Global conservation nonprofit with an active Washington State chapter that runs Puget Sound marine restoration, shellfish, and kelp programs. Significantly larger than PSRF but operates overlapping programs in the same geography with similar Tribal and agency partners.

Regional players

• The Bay Foundation: Los Angeles-based nonprofit leading kelp forest restoration and monitoring in the Santa Monica Bay, an existing PSRF partner in the Eyes on Kelp initiative. Operates highly comparable kelp restoration science with similar volunteer monitoring infrastructure but in a different geography.

Direct peers

• Reef Check Foundation: Volunteer-driven marine monitoring nonprofit that partners with PSRF on the Eyes on Kelp initiative, organizing and training volunteer diver networks for kelp monitoring across Puget Sound. Comparable in its volunteer-led monitoring and restoration science approach.
• Restore America's Estuaries: National nonprofit network focused on estuarine habitat restoration, where PSRF's new Deputy Director Elsa Schwartz previously served as Senior Director for 20 years. Directly comparable in mission and program types (oyster restoration, water quality, community engagement) at a national coordination level.
• SeaDoc Society: UC Davis-based marine conservation science nonprofit focused on the Salish Sea, an existing PSRF partner in pinto abalone recovery and marine conservation research. Operates with similar grant-funded model and overlapping geographic scope in Puget Sound.
• Northwest Straits Commission: Regional marine conservation commission coordinating seven Marine Resources Committees across Puget Sound, co-developing the Puget Sound Kelp Conservation and Recovery Plan with PSRF. Operates the same restoration science + community engagement model in overlapping territory.
• Wild Fish Conservancy: Pacific NW nonprofit focused on wild salmon and forage fish conservation with related nearshore habitat restoration work. Operates comparable science-based advocacy and habitat restoration programs in the same Puget Sound region.

Others

• Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association: Trade association representing West Coast shellfish growers including Taylor Shellfish, Baywater, and others that partner with PSRF on restoration and the Henderson Inlet upgrade. Industry-side counterpart to PSRF's conservation aquaculture work, operating adjacent rather than competing.

Emerging players

• Coastal Watershed Institute: Pacific NW nonprofit focused on nearshore habitat restoration, water quality, and salmon recovery in the Salish Sea region. Comparable in mission and modest operating scale, with overlapping restoration science and community engagement approaches.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/restorationfund

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Puget Sound Restoration Fund