Overview

Statistics about the Alaska mariculture industry are limited and often not up to date, which makes it difficult to answer seemingly basic questions such as “how much sugar kelp was planted in Prince William Sound this year?” and “are there sufficient facilities to fulfill the anticipated need for juvenile oysters in Southeast Alaska?”

To address these data limitations and grow the industry, the Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) is asking industry members to please respond to the following questionnaires. Your participation will help us answer these and other questions, guide the cluster’s work, and address industry priorities.

2025 Survey

Reports

Your responses and supplemental data sources will be analyzed and compiled into a comprehensive annual perspective on the state of the mariculture industry in Alaska, which will be published in Fall 2024 (view here), Fall 2025 (pending), and Fall 2026 (pending). They will also be integrated into the Alaska Mariculture Insights platform, developed by Hatch Blue for Southeast Conference and AMC.

FAQs

Southeast Conference (SEC) contracted with McKinley Research Group (MRG) and Pacific Shellfish Institute (PSI) to complete this three-year research project through a competitive RFP (2024-01). MRG has long history of maritime-related economic research, including Alaska’s seaweed and shellfish industries. PSI Director Bobbi Hudson has deep knowledge of shellfish farming in Alaska and in the broader Pacific Northwest and national contexts.

Yes, ADF&G and DNR provide a variety of useful data, which will also be used to inform the study. These questionnaires fill data gaps and provide more timely and forward looking information – tailored to the needs of the AMC grant as it invests $49+ million into the Alaska mariculture industry through 2026.

Your responses will be sent directly to MRG and published only in aggregate form with data from multiple operations to produce statewide and regional summary information. MRG has a decades-long history of performing surveys and protecting the confidentiality of respondents.  Please direct any technical questions regarding the survey to  sfriedman@mckinleyresearch.com.

  • Farm/Hatchery Operator Interviews
  • Aquatic Farm Operation Permit Annual Reports (Alaska Department of Fish & Game)
  • Aquatic Farm Lease Applications & Summary Data (Alaska Department of Natural Resources)
  • Other Sources as available