The Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) is excited to share an update from one of our university partners: the Applied Fisheries Program at the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) is offering an online Introduction to Mariculture course this spring. The course is part of the core curriculum for the Occupational Endorsement (OE) in Alaska Aquaculture, which is funded through the Workforce Development AMC grant component.

The OE in Alaska Aquaculture, offered by UAS Sitka, strengthens the mariculture industry by providing students essential knowledge and skills that allow them to seek careers in and further develop the mariculture sector. Students in the OE-granting Alaska Aquaculture Semester take field trips to farms and hatcheries, interact with farmers, participate in lab work, learn about fish pathology and outboard motor maintenance, and manage their own seaweed hatchery on campus, giving students a deep understanding of Alaska aquaculture.

Introduction to Mariculture (FT S123) is a 3 credit course. Students will be introduced to the principles, concepts and methods used in the production of seaweed, shellfish and other mariculture products with an emphasis on the techniques used by Alaskan producers. The course will cover all aspects of production, including species identification and biology, site selection, permitting, daily nursery and farm operations, business management, processing and sales.

The semester starts January 12, and registration is open now. For more information on this or other UAS mariculture-related courses, read the course catalog or email Angie Bowers at abowers4@alaska.edu.

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.