Ahead of the Mariculture Conference of Alaska in Anchorage last week, the AMC Marketing Program hosted a “Shuck & Tell” industry tasting, bringing oyster farmers together with local chefs, restaurateurs, and tourism partners to connect over Alaskan-grown oysters. The evening provided a valuable opportunity for these media and buyers to learn about oyster farming in Alaska, form partnerships and deepen relationships, and taste the premium product.

During the event, farmers from Alaska Shellfish Farms, Blue Starr Oyster Co., Seagrove, Shinaku Shellfish, and Tomasso Shellfish shared their oysters with more than 50 guests, who also got to meet and hear stories from the farmers themselves. Guests sampled raw oysters from each farm while hearing directly from the growers about their operations, growing regions, and unique merroir and flavors.

Guests also tasted cooked oyster and kelp dishes, featuring kelp sourced from Kachemak Kelp Hub, going beyond the raw oyster product format traditionally found on menus in Alaska. With farmers at the center, the event fostered meaningful face-to-face connections with chefs, buyers, and writers, building awareness, strengthening relationships, and adding momentum for Alaska’s growing oyster industry.

This event builds on additional events and programs funded through the AMC marketing program aimed at expanding audiences within and beyond Alaska, increasing demand for Alaskan oysters, and showcasing the range and value of seaweed and oysters grown in the state.

Funded through the AMC’s Market Development grant component, the Alaska Mariculture Alliance and Southeast Conference (SEC) have launched a robust marketing program to increase awareness, demand, and long-term market opportunities for Alaska’s growing mariculture industry. The AMC Marketing Program is being advanced by Tastemaker Comms in partnership with Rising Tide Communications – two experienced firms with extensive backgrounds in seafood marketing, brand development, and campaign execution.

Background

Southeast Conference (SEC) is the federally designated Economic Development District (EDD) for Southeast Alaska, as well as the state designated Alaska Regional Development Organization. SEC’s mission is to undertake and support activities that promote strong economies, sustainable communities, and a healthy environment in Southeast Alaska.

In September 2022, Southeast Conference was awarded a $49 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) grant to catalyze a viable and sustainable mariculture industry in Alaska, supporting the production of shellfish and seaweed, for the long-term benefit of the state’s economy, environment, and communities.

SEC leads the Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) grant coalition, which includes members of Alaska’s mariculture industry, tribal organizations, regulatory agencies, university system, regional EDDs, trade organizations, and others. A Governance Body, composed of AMC coalition leaders and Tribal executives from each of the project regions, guides the grant’s work and equity metrics.

The AMC has complementary grant components designed to break down barriers and develop Alaska’s mariculture industry. The Overarching Narrative explains how the grant components work together to grow the industry in an equitable and responsible manner. The full project period for the Alaska Mariculture Cluster is October 1, 2022 to September 38, 2026, though some projects may be extended up until May 28, 2027.