The Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) contracted with McKinley Research Group and the Pacific Shellfish Institute to provide AMC and the broader mariculture industry with current information about topics including oyster and seaweed harvest, farm utilization, seed supply and quality, and growing techniques. This is the second of three annual reports produced as part of AMC’s Mariculture Industry Tracking project.

Key Findings

• There were four farms with active Floating Upwelling Systems (FLUPSYs) active in Alaska in 2025, down from five in 2024.
• Farmers reported fewer problems with seed quality in the 2025 harvest season compared to the 2024 season and the number of active seaweed hatcheries grew from five to seven in 2025. Interviews indicate more than 350,000 feet of seeded line were sold in 2025, a state record.
• An estimated 1.6 million oysters will be harvested statewide through the end of 2025, up from 1.2 million in 2024.
• An estimated 240,000 pounds of seaweed were harvested in 2025, up from 155,000 in 2024.
• Oyster farmers reported prices of $0.80 to $1.16 per oyster and selling into a variety of markets for Alaska oysters both inside and outside Alaska in 2025.
• National market research indicates that oyster demand is down because of low consumer confidence, manifesting in reduced dining out, especially at higher end restaurants where oysters are sold.
• Biostimulants emerged as a key product for Alaska seaweed in 2025, but this sector and other emerging buyers are demanding prices well below current prices of $0.85 to $1.00 per wet pound.

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.