In mid-May the Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) marketing program welcomed a group of four journalists to Cordova for the second familiarization (FAM) trip, an immersive experience connecting these writers directly with Alaska’s mariculture industry. Through site visits, product tastings, and scenic hikes, participants who write for National Geographic, Martha Stewart, Delish, Eater, The Kitchn, and AgTech Navigator gained a firsthand understanding of Alaska’s unique and growing industry.

The Cordova visit kicked off with a dinner hosted by Jason Lessard, the Executive Director of Alaska Mariculture Alliance (AMA). Discussions highlighted how Cordova is embracing mariculture as a triple bottom line approach to community development. Attendees included representatives from the Prince William Sound Economic Development District (PWSEDD), University of Alaska Fairbanks, Native Village of Eyak, Prince William Sound Science Center, Alaska Blue Economy Center and farmers from Noble Ocean Farms, Royal Ocean Kelp Company, WildBlue Mariculture, Safety Cove Oyster Farm, and Simpson Bay Oyster Company .

The group stayed at the Orca Adventure Lodge where Captain Kris Ranney took them on a tour to see three working farms (and many, many sea otters): Royal Ocean Kelp Company to observe the harvest, Noble Ocean Farms where they tasted bull kelp directly from the water, and Simpson Bay Oyster Company for an immersive oyster farm experience.

The trip offered an insightful look into Cordova kelp farmers’ collaboration and, in particular, coordinated farm harvests. The kelp farms sell small amounts to local consumers, but the vast majority of their harvest is purchased by a common buyer, Cascadia Seaweed, a BC-based biostimulant company. During this visit, FAM participants learned about the emergence of the biostimulant market for Alaska’s kelp.

The final day in Cordova included a trip to the Prince William Sound Science Center for a deep dive into the kelp hatchery, which has received AMC equipment funding. Ecologist and researcher Angela Korabik underscored the unique opportunity of kelp farming in Alaska. The guests then saw various ways kelp is processed, including an introduction to the new dryer – an AMC-funded project awarded to the PWSEDD that is years in the making.

Upon arrival in Cordova, the group immediately hiked the Sheridan Glacier Lake trail – an amazing experience reinforcing the cold, pristine waters of Alaska mariculture. The Cordova trip was bookended with overnights in Anchorage with dinners highlighting Alaska oysters and kelp in the menus at the Crow’s Nest and Pearl. The group also toured production facilities and tasted Alaska-grown kelp in beer at Cordova Brewing Company and in chocolate at Chugach Chocolates.

What’s Next:

The AMC marketing team is working with these journalists on stories; more will be shared as they publish. Two additional FAM trips are planned this summer to Juneau and then Ketchikan & Prince of Wales, as well as other activities to support the industry across the state.

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.

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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 Alaska Mariculture Cluster is October 1, 2022 to September 38, 2026, though some projects may be extended up until May 28, 2027.