Aquaculture is the world’s fastest growing food production sector, and innovations in the industry are occurring at a rapid pace. With its maritime background, extensive coastline, and reputation for producing some of the highest quality seafood in the world, Alaska’s shellfish and seaweed (mariculture) industry is well positioned for expansion. Due to the remote nature of the state, staying abreast of current technologies and innovations occurring nationally and internationally presents a challenge for Alaskan mariculturists.

To assist Alaskan mariculturists in taking advantage of the most up to date technology and husbandry practices, Alaska Sea Grant is accepting applications from farmers and/or processors for travel funding to visit mariculture operations elsewhere. This funding is available for travel within the state of Alaska and nationally. Along with bringing information to the state of Alaska, this program seeks to build awareness of the Alaskan mariculture brand by encouraging reciprocal knowledge exchange from Alaskan industry members to other regions.

Applications for up to $3,500 per person will be considered. This figure is the estimated cost of a trip for one person for a weeklong visit to another farming region in the continental US, including airfare, car rental, lodging, and per diem.

Generally, funding will be considered for up to two staff per business. Larger group trips, including staff from multiple businesses, are encouraged to make for more efficient knowledge sharing and travel.

Applicants should not book travel until confirmation of award is received if trip is contingent upon funding from this program. While travel and lodging can be booked up front by the UAF travel office, some expenses, including per diem, will need to be reimbursed after travel has concluded. All receipts must be submitted to Alaska Sea Grant within two weeks of the completion of travel or for reimbursement to occur.

This project is part of the Workforce Development component of the Alaska Mariculture Cluster.

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 AMC BBBRC project is October 1, 2022 to September 30th, 2026.