What is that thing floating in the Newport Harbor?

The White Sea bass Grow out Pens.

The Newport Harbor grow out pen is one of thirteen White Sea Bass grow out facilities on the Southern California coast stretching from San Diego to Santa Barbara. Every year we thousands of White Sea Bass which initially only measure 3 inches in length. Volunteers help raise the fish in protected enclosures until they reach (ideally) 12 inches in length. Doing so greatly increases their chances of survival before being released into the wild. 

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White Sea Bass Fast Facts

White Sea Bass

Scientific Name: Atractoscion nobilis
Range: Point Conception, California to Magdalena Bay, Baja California 

Habitat: Open ocean, kelp beds, reefs and artificial structures

Diet: Mollusks, crustaceans and small fish

Size: 2-5 ft (0.6-1.5 m)

Fun Fact: White sea bass are in the croaker family and have the ability to use their abdominal muscles to vibrate their swim bladder and produce a croaking sound. 

IUCN Conservation Status: Least concern 

Learn about White Sea Bass and the Grow-out Pen Project