The Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) is excited to announce its new Mariculture Equipment Program Airtable Database. This equipment tracker serves as a user-friendly information hub for projects funded through the Mariculture Equipment Program. It provides a detailed breakdown of subaward recipient equipment projects, tracks every piece of funded equipment, and provides real-time reimbursement status. Users can filter by awarded entity, round of funding, or equipment use (industry sector).

The equipment database aims to increase AMC project transparency and coordination among industry participants, researchers, policymakers, and other interested parties. It can also serve as a tool for Mariculture Equipment Program subaward recipients to track the status of their award and easily identify next steps. For funded entities, this database is intended to be used alongside the provided Funding Compliance Resources to provide ease and clarity.

It is important to note that some project totals reflected in the Airtable may differ from each entity’s total award. Many equipment prices are subject to change slightly due to manufacturer and global supply chain considerations, so the total awards leave room for flexibility in changing prices.

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.