Alaska Mariculture Cluster
Coalition Lead: Southeast Conference
Phase 2 Award: $49 million
Private Investment (Sept. 2022 – Sept. 2024): $3.2 million
Additional Public and Nonprofit Funding (Sept. 2022 – Sept. 2024): $4 million
Project Description: The Alaska Mariculture Cluster is leveraging a $49 million BBBRC grant tolead the charge in pioneering new seaweed cultivation techniques, research into novel uses of untapped shellfish species, and providing free training materials for those interested in getting involved in hatcheries and farming.Alaska’s abundant coastlines and existing labor force are well-positioned to meet international and domestic interest in the sustainable mariculture sector, and the coalition is activating these assets through a series of complementary projects across the region’s entire value chain. This coalition includes members of Alaska's mariculture industry, Tribal organizations, regulatory agencies, university system, Economic Development Districts, trade organizations, and others. A Governance Body, composed of coalition leaders and Tribal representatives from each of the project regions, guides the grant’s work and equity metrics.
As of September 2024, the coalition has made significant strides in achieving its vision of a sustainable and equitable mariculture industry.
- The University of Alaska System, in accordance with its Alaska Mariculture Workforce Development Plan to bolster the development of the industry’s growth in the state, welcomed its first cohort of 15 students to the Marine Natural Resources Technician Program. Student enrollment is set to increase after this inaugural class, which is set to be offered each spring.
- The Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) is overseeing the Joint Innovation Projects (JIP) program, which is increasing innovation in kelp processing and farming, enhancing shellfish growth and nutritional value, and fostering innovation in mooring technologies. Insights will be made available to the public.
- The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation is validating a cutting-edge method for testing shellfish toxicity. This new method, if validated, will shorten testing timeframes for farmers getting perishable products to market and reduce regulatory costs as the industry scales. A better understanding of topics such as toxicity analysis and local infrastructure underutilization is helping small farmers streamline their operations and maximize production.
- Southeast Conference committed $2.3 million in its first round of equipment funding to 9 Alaskan entities, including 3 Alaska Native entities, to address bottlenecks in processing and hatchery/nursery capacity.
Coalition Overarching Narrative (applicant submitted) (PDF)
“Winner of $49 million in the EDA’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge, Southeast Conference’s mission is to undertake and support activities that promote strong economies, sustainable communities, and a healthy environment.”
Alaska Mariculture Cluster
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