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.

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.