The Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) Kelp Seed Quality Improvement program is an important step towards addressing kelp seed quality and consistency in Alaska and represents AMC’s commitment to adapt our program to respond to emerging industry needs. Four projects, funded through a competitive request for proposals (RFP) in December 2024, have been working to advance kelp seed quality improvement projects.

To scale the kelp industry in Alaska, farmers need reliable access to quality kelp seed. Seed consistency can lower cost structures and improve yield estimates, which can inform business planning and build trust with buyers. Research by McKinley Research Group and the Pacific Shellfish Institute, funded by AMC and summarized in a November 2024 report, found that poor seed quality and failures at the hatchery level contributed to decreased kelp yields in 2024 and are a significant issue currently impacting the Alaska seaweed industry. The selected projects, led by GreenWave, Chugach Regional Resources Commission, Prince William Sound Science Center, and Kelp Ark, represent a significant investment in Alaska’s mariculture future.

To learn more about each project, visit the Kelp Seed Quality Improvement program page. Read below for more on two of the projects with recent program updates.

GreenWave
In response to challenges in Alaska, GreenWave organized a three-day seed quality workshop, convening seven of the state’s active nurseries to align on shared practices, troubleshoot challenges, and adapt the SOPs for the region’s unique conditions. Hosted at the Prince William Sound Science Center with support from Alaska Sea Farms and funding from the Southeast Conference (SEC) and Alaska Sea Grant, the event marked the first time the majority of Alaska’s operators gathered to tackle shared obstacles and plan for the future of seed.

Kelp Ark
The Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) is committing US$199,393 to non-profit Kelp Ark, to foster gametophyte seed banking for Alaskan kelp. As part of the grant, researchers at Kelp Ark and University of Alaska Fairbank (UAF)’s Lena Point facility in Juneau, AK, will collaborate to develop the seed bank.

“This molecular work has the potential to inform Alaska’s kelp farm permitting process,” said the Alaska Mariculture Research and Training Center. “Additionally, the established seed banks will be in the public domain, and therefore will further future scientific research on mariculture, conservation, kelp life history, and kelp genetics.”

UAF Lena Point facility will house the cultures in a collection. Kelp Ark’s facility in San Pedro, Calif. will replicate the collection, which will be cultured to gain insight into Alaska kelp population structure.

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.