About the Alaska Mariculture Cluster
The Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC), led by Southeast Conference, is a coalition that includes members of Alaska’s mariculture industry, tribal organizations, regulatory agencies, university system, Economic Development Districts, trade organizations, and others. In September 2022, the U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded Southeast Conference a $49 million Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant to catalyze a sustainable mariculture industry for the long-term benefit of Alaska’s economy, environment, and communities.
A Governance Body, composed of AMC coalition leaders and tribal representatives from each of the project’s regions, guides the grant’s work and equity goals. The full project period for the Alaska Mariculture Cluster is October 1, 2022 to September 30th, 2026
Mariculture Opportunity in Alaska
Mariculture refers to marine shellfish and seaweed products and their farming, processing, and sales. Finfish farming is prohibited by law in Alaska.
Alaska has many strengths that make it an ideal environment for mariculture: clean and abundant waters, skills and abilities of coastal Alaskans maritime experience, culture knowledge of indigenous Alaskans, and existing seafood industry and infrastructure. The state has research and development capacity at the University and industry levels, as well as a sophisticated seafood marketing organization that effectively reaches consumers all over the nation and the world. The regulatory process and agencies are accessible, and the state legislature has been supportive with regulation and funding programs.
Seagrove Kelp Farm, Doyle Bay
AMC Grant Components
Until recently, Alaska’s mariculture industry has lacked the initial public investment needed to de-risk the sector and stimulate the private investment needed to develop a viable value chain and introduce shellfish and seaweed products in international and domestic markets. The components of the Alaska Mariculture Cluster grant are designed to lay the groundwork for the industry to advance with a heartbeat of equity and sustainability.
U.S. EDA BBBRC Funding & Grant Component Breakdown
