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.

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.

About the Alaska Mariculture Cluster

In September 2022, Southeast Conference was awarded a $49 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to stimulate private investment and grow Alaska’s mariculture industry to $100 million in sales in 10 years.  The Alaska Mariculture Cluster grant involves a large coalition of state agencies, Tribes, non-profits, and others working together over a five year period ending May 2027.