Auditor Spotlight: Bobbi Hudson

Championing Sustainable Shellfish and Marine Ecosystems

Bobbi Hudson is the Executive Director of the Pacific Shellfish Institute.

In the world of sustainable shellfish aquaculture, Bobbi Hudson stands out as a leading voice. As the Executive Director of the Pacific Shellfish Institute (PSI), Bobbi has dedicated her career to ensuring the health of marine ecosystems along the U.S. West Coast. With a strong foundation in environmental science and a lifelong connection to the sea, Bobbi’s work is both a professional pursuit and a personal passion.

In addition to her research and policy work, Bobbi is committed to upholding sustainability standards in the food industry. As an auditor for Food Alliance’s Farmed Shellfish Operations standard, she has played a vital role in evaluating and certifying responsible shellfish farming practices. Since the creation of the Food Alliance shellfish standards, she has conducted inspections to ensure that aquaculture operations meet rigorous environmental and social responsibility criteria. “Her work as an auditor helps maintain the integrity of the Food Alliance sustainable seafood certification, reinforcing the importance of ethical and sustainable seafood production,” says Food Alliance Certification Program Director, Shaila Cook.

A Life Shaped by the Ocean

Growing up on the waters of Washington and Southeast Alaska, Bobbi was immersed in the commercial fishing industry, where her family operated fishing vessels. “My upbringing instilled a deep connection to working waterfronts and healthy  marine ecosystems,” explains Bobbi. This connection to the water set the stage for her academic pursuits, leading her to earn both B.S. and M.S. degrees in Environmental Science from Evergreen State College. 

Since 2013, Bobbi has been the Executive Director of the Pacific Shellfish Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conducting biological, oceanographic, and social science research to support sustainable shellfish production and coastal management. Under her leadership, PSI has spearheaded numerous projects focused on ecosystem services, economic impacts of shellfish cultivation, intertidal ecology, and emerging aquaculture species development. Bobbi’s research interests lie at the intersection of ecology and economics, “I am interested in examining how sustainable shellfish farming contributes to both environmental health and economic stability for coastal communities.”

A Voice in Global Marine Policy

Beyond her work at PSI, Bobbi plays an influential role in shaping marine policy on an international scale. She is an active member of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Expert Working Group on Ecological Carrying Capacity in Aquaculture. Additionally, she serves on NOAA’s Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee, contributing her expertise to national aquaculture policies and sustainable fisheries initiatives.

Her affiliations extend to multiple organizations, including the Alaska Mariculture Alliance, Alaska Shellfish Growers Association, National Shellfisheries Association, and Washington’s Integrated Pest Management Advisory Committee. Through these roles, she collaborates with scientists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to advance sustainable aquaculture management.

Bobbi’s contributions to the field are well-documented through her extensive publications. She has co-authored numerous research papers on topics ranging from biotoxin uptake in shellfish to economics and the ecological carrying capacity of mariculture. Her work has been instrumental in informing regulatory decisions and shaping the future of shellfish farming in the U.S.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Despite her demanding schedule, Bobbi remains true to her roots, spending much of her time on or near the water. She divides her time between Olympia, Washington, Southeast Alaska, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia—places that continue to inspire her commitment to sustainable marine resource use.

As the demand for sustainable seafood grows, leaders like Bobbi Hudson are essential in ensuring that aquaculture remains both economically viable and environmentally responsible. Through her expertise, passion, and unwavering commitment, she is shaping a future where shellfish farming and marine conservation go hand in hand.