Through the Research & Development component of the Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) grant, Southeast Conference (SEC) contracted with Oceanid Climate & Carbon Solutions (OCCS) to produce a report assessing Alaska’s potential role in emerging carbon sequestration markets. The report provides an overview of marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) approaches and explores how Alaska’s natural assets and mariculture industry might contribute to this evolving sector.

This work supports the broader goals of the AMC to identify opportunities that can enhance the value of mariculture activities in Alaska and help producers access new markets. Key topics covered include:

• Overview of Alaska’s potential role in mCDR, based on environmental conditions and existing knowledge and infrastructure.
• Summary of the status of macroalgae-based carbon removal, including scientific context, regulatory considerations, and investment trends.
• Outline of mCDR pathways with potential applicability in Alaska, such as kelp-to-biochar, biomass sinking, macroalgae sloughing, ocean fertilization, and coastal enhanced weathering.

Next Steps: New RFP on Carbon Sequestration

To continue advancing this work, Southeast Conference has launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) to fund projects that improve our understanding of opportunities for carbon sequestration market development for the benefit of Alaska’s mariculture industry. The goal of this RFP is to support applied research, pilot efforts, and strategic planning that can help maximize the economic value of mariculture through emerging carbon and environmental markets.

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.