AltaSea’s Blue Hour: Serving a Sustainable Future, One Plate at a Time

LOS ANGELES, CA – August 04, 2026 – On October 10th, the waterfront campus of AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles will transform into a nexus of culinary innovation and environmental purpose. The organization's seventh annual Blue Hour fundraiser is poised to be more than just a gala; it's a meticulously crafted argument for a sustainable future, presented on a plate. Headlining the evening is Andrew Zimmern, the Emmy- and James Beard Award-winning chef whose career has evolved from exploring exotic foods to championing the systems that can feed the world responsibly.

Zimmern, alongside a cohort of celebrated chefs, will lead an immersive culinary experience designed to do more than just delight the palate. The event aims to rewire our relationship with the ocean, demonstrating that the path to protecting our planet's largest ecosystem can be both delicious and accessible. The funds raised will support AltaSea's vital Ocean STEM programs, building a direct pipeline from this evening of advocacy to the next generation of innovators who will lead the burgeoning blue economy.

The Menu for a Healthier Planet

At the heart of Blue Hour is a powerful idea: food is a gateway to understanding complex systems. Andrew Zimmern, who joined AltaSea’s Board of Trustees earlier this year, has built his modern career on this principle. “Food is one of the most powerful ways to connect people to one another and to the health of our oceans,” Zimmern stated, encapsulating the event's philosophy. His work, including the recent The Blue Food Cookbook, challenges consumers to think beyond the standard salmon and tuna, advocating for a broader, more sustainable seafood diet that includes lesser-known fish and sea vegetables. This isn't just about finding new ingredients; it's about relieving pressure on overfished species and supporting healthier marine biodiversity.

Zimmern will be joined by chefs who embody this ethos in their daily practice. Dustin Trani represents a deep, generational connection to the San Pedro community. As a fourth-generation chef whose restaurant, Trani’s Dockside Station, sits just steps from AltaSea, he brings a legacy of local sourcing to the table. His participation grounds the event in the very waterfront it seeks to protect, showcasing a century-long family commitment to the local catch.

Also featured is Chris Cosentino, a chef renowned for his "whole animal" philosophy and advocacy against food waste. His work, including the series Feast or Famine: Climate on the Table, directly confronts the impacts of climate change on our food systems. For Blue Hour, Cosentino's partnership with Koast Maui signals a culinary experience rooted in thoughtful sourcing and the intricate link between conservation and cuisine. Together, these chefs are not just cooking; they are curating a narrative about responsible consumption, demonstrating that sustainability can be a driver of culinary excellence rather than a limitation.

Fueling the Blue Economy's Future

While the culinary experience provides the immediate draw, the long-term impact of Blue Hour extends far beyond the evening's menu. The fundraiser is a critical engine for AltaSea’s Ocean STEM programs, which provide free educational experiences to students across Los Angeles. This initiative is a direct investment in the human infrastructure of the "blue economy"—a term for the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, job creation, and ecosystem health.

The numbers underscore the sector's importance. In the United States alone, the marine economy contributed over $476 billion to the national GDP in 2022 and supported 2.3 million jobs. AltaSea, a 35-acre hub of innovation at North America's busiest seaport, is strategically positioned to cultivate this economic frontier. By introducing students to careers in sustainable aquaculture, marine robotics, renewable energy, and ocean exploration, it is building a skilled workforce prepared to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities of the 21st century. The funds raised by Blue Hour directly enable field trips, specialized curricula, and hands-on projects that bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application, ensuring the region's youth are not just aware of the blue economy, but are equipped to lead it.

Innovation and Heritage at the Helm

The evening will also honor the pioneers shaping this new ocean-centric paradigm. The organization’s annual awards highlight two critical facets of progress: technological innovation and cultural wisdom. This year’s Innovation Award will be presented to Growing Oceans, an initiative advancing research into how nitrogen-fixing phytoplankton can be used to draw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This work represents a frontier in climate solutions, exploring how to enhance the ocean's natural ability to act as a massive carbon sink. The award, presented by the Grantham Foundation, recognizes the kind of bold, science-driven ingenuity necessary to address systemic environmental challenges.

Receiving the NextGen Award is Tina Calderon, AltaSea’s Special Advisor and Cultural Consultant. Calderon’s work has been instrumental in integrating the history and stewardship of the Tongva people—the traditional inhabitants of the land and waters where AltaSea is located—into the organization’s programming. This award recognizes that a truly sustainable future must also be an equitable one, honoring the deep, ancestral knowledge of Indigenous communities who have practiced environmental stewardship for millennia. Calderon’s influence ensures that as AltaSea builds for the future, it remains grounded in the history and heritage of its location.

A Coalition for the Coast

An event of this scale is a testament to the power of collaboration. The roster of sponsors for Blue Hour 2026 reveals a growing coalition of corporate and civic leaders investing in ocean health. Title Sponsor Carrix, a global port operator, sees its support as a strategic partnership aligned with its core business. For a company reliant on healthy maritime commerce, investing in the sustainability of the ocean and the development of a blue economy workforce is a forward-thinking business imperative.

Other sponsors reflect this convergence of environmental and economic interests. Delta Air Lines' participation aligns with its corporate sustainability goals, while the involvement of AltaSea tenants like Arc Boats (electric marine transportation) and Blue Robotics (underwater robotics) showcases the very innovation the organization fosters. Their presence transforms the event from a simple fundraiser into a living exhibition of the blue economy in action. Support from maritime giants like Fenix Marine Services and respected leaders like Dr. Geraldine Knatz, former Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, further solidifies the event's standing as a central pillar of the region's commitment to a sustainable and prosperous relationship with the ocean.