This June, the Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) hosted a group of food and lifestyle storytellers to Juneau for an immersive familiarization (FAM) trip designed to showcase Alaska’s growing mariculture industry and generate media coverage, social content, and consumer awareness of Alaska oysters and kelp. The guests – Alessandra Ciuffo, an influential social media creator, Arie Knutson, Editorial Director for Allrecipes, and Emily Hunt, a freelance food and beverage writer for Tasting Table – experienced firsthand the innovation, hard work, and passion driving the industry forward.

The trip began with a welcome dinner that brought together industry partners from across Alaska’s mariculture sector, including Alaska Sea Grant, the Alaska Mariculture Alliance, NOAA, farmers, and hatchery operators. The evening provided guests with a foundational understanding of the industry’s triple bottom line approach – economic, social, and environmental benefits for coastal communities.

The group spent time on the water with Sea Quester Farms’ Jonny Antoni & Liv Duner, getting a hands on kelp farming experience. Guests harvested and sampled bull kelp and three-ribbed kelp, two of the farm’s main crops, gaining a deeper appreciation for the farmers on the frontlines of this emerging industry.

The team also toured Barnacle Foods, where co-founder Matt Kern shared the company’s journey as it approaches its 10‑year anniversary. They explored the production facility, sampled a variety of kelp‑based products, and learned how Barnacle Foods has helped expand opportunities for Alaska‑grown kelp through close collaboration with local farmers.

The team also visited two regional oyster farms: Anthony Lindoff’s Kaawu Shellfish Co. in Hoonah and Meta Mesdag’s Salty Lady Seafood Co. in Juneau. Through farm tours and conversations with producers, attendees learned about the process of raising premium Alaska oysters, from seed to market. Farmers shared their experiences operating in remote coastal regions and discussed the care, attention, and environmental stewardship involved in producing high-quality oysters.

At Salty Lady Seafood Co., guests tasted the merrior and rich flavor of oysters grown in cold and pristine waters, and also learned how to shuck (watch below)!

Throughout the trip, attendees enjoyed dishes that showcased the versatility and quality of Alaska oysters and kelp. Chef Amara Enciso of The Jorgenson House, Chef Nel Uddipa of Red Spruce Eatery, and Chef Ian Driscoll of The Spotted Prawn prepared raw and baked oysters with mignonettes and a variety of kelp galettes, soups, dips, compound butters, and desserts. Together, these culinary experiences highlighted the remarkable range of Alaska mariculture products.

About the AMC Marketing Program

Funded through the AMC’s Market Development grant component, the Alaska Mariculture Alliance (AMA) 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.

The Juneau FAM trip will generate stories, recipes, and social media content that introduce new audiences to Alaska oysters and kelp. Additional FAM trips and marketing activities, including an upcoming press visit to Ketchikan and Prince of Wales Island, will continue connecting storytellers with farmers, businesses, and industry leaders to build awareness of Alaska mariculture.

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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 30, 2026, though some projects may be extended up until May 28, 2027.