Save the Date

With major funding support for the Alaska Mariculture Cluster, the 2025 Mariculture Conference of Alaska will be held in beautiful Sitka, Alaska on February 18–20, 2025 at Harrigan Centennial Hall. The conference is an opportunity to engage with members of the mariculture industry, hear from experts, and connect with farmers, processors, researchers, community leaders, and other professionals. The goal of the conference is to support the continued development of mariculture in the state by reviewing accomplishments, addressing challenges, and exploring opportunities in research, innovation, education, and industry growth.

Why Attend?

• Gain insights from leaders and industry experts.
• Network with peers, potential collaborators, and key stakeholders.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Contribute to discussions shaping the future of mariculture.

Call for Abstracts

We invite you to submit an abstract for oral or poster presentations for the 2025 Mariculture Conference of Alaska. This is your chance to share your research, knowledge, and experience related to the development of mariculture in the state. Submissions will be evaluated on their relevance to the conference themes, including research, innovative practices, education, and industry growth. Farmers and community leaders are encouraged to submit. If you have questions, contact Melissa Good, Alaska Sea Grant mariculture specialist. Abstracts should be submitted no later than November 22, 2024.

Travel Assistance

Limited travel subsidies will be available for those who qualify and are registered by December 15. You can indicate in the online registration if you would like to be considered. Groups that qualify include conference speakers, mariculture farmers, Alaska rural residents, and Alaska Natives. Conference organizers will contact those who request travel assistance after December 15.

Exhibitors

The Mariculture Conference of Alaska is the largest gathering of mariculture participants and enthusiasts in the state. It is a unique opportunity for businesses, government agencies, and organizations to share information about their efforts, products, and services by being an exhibitor at the conference. A tradeshow will take place on the evening of February 18 at the conference venue. Visit this website for more details and to reserve your booth.

How to Register

Secure your spot at the Mariculture Conference of Alaska by registering online today.

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 Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) 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, which explains how the grant components work together to grow the industry in an equitable and responsible manner. The full project period for the AMC BBBRC project is October 1, 2022 to September 30th, 2026.