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AMC Expands Opportunities with Other Mariculture Species R&D Projects
July 8, 2024
Lead Entities: Chugach Regional Resources Commission, Kodiak Archipelago Leadership Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Grant Component: Equipment & Technology
Mariculture farming in Alaska is primarily focused on cultivating Pacific oysters and three species of kelp (sugar, ribbon, and bull). The Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) grant program is largely concentrated on supporting the viability of these species. However, in the long term, it is likely that other macroalgae, shellfish, and mariculture species will be important parts of the industry as well.
In November 2023, Southeast Conference, on behalf of the AMC, issued a request for proposals (RFP) for Other Mariculture Species Research & Development. Through a competitive review process, five projects were selected for funding, each targeting different species with high potential to advance commercial farming, not including Pacific oysters, bull kelp, sugar kelp, or ribbon kelp.
The Other Mariculture Species program reflects a significant step toward diversifying Alaska’s mariculture portfolio. By expanding beyond oysters and common kelp varieties, these projects not only enhance economic resilience but also promote sustainable practices that benefit coastal ecosystems and communities.
These projects, conducted by leading universities, tribal and community organizations, will explore innovative techniques, address market viability, and support the AMC’s goal of developing a $100 million mariculture industry in ten years. Once the projects are completed, final reports will be published on the AMC website and the AMRTC Research Library.
Use the toggles below to learn more about the first cohort of Other Mariculture Species projects.
Project: Cockle Clam Cultivation
Lead Organization: Chugach Regional Resources Commission (CRRC)
Funding: $117,612
Species: Basket Cockle (Clinocardium nuttallii)
Region: Kenai Peninsula
In partnership with the Kachemak Shellfish Mariculture Association (KSMA), CRRC’s project will work to advance the cultivation of basket cockles using suspended culture systems originally developed for oysters. Hatchery-produced juvenile cockles will be grown in KSMA’s FLUPSY and subsequently in lantern nets and metal trays across up to four farms in Kachemak Bay. The project will refine hatchery techniques, optimize growth strategies, and evaluate overwintering methods. Success could introduce a high-value shellfish species to Alaska’s mariculture portfolio, expanding opportunities for oyster farmers.
Interim Report
Final Report [Pending]
Lead Organization: Kodiak Archipelago Leadership Institute (KALI)
Funding: $55,107
Species: Dragon Kelp (Eualaria fistulosa), Split Kelp (Hedophyllum nigripes)
Region: Kodiak
KALI’s project, in partnership with Alaska Ocean Farms and Spruce Island Farms, will explore cultivation techniques for split kelp and dragon kelp, two species native to Alaska but not yet commercially farmed. Researchers will establish a new kelp farm in a remote Kodiak community and assess how sporophyte density affects growth and yield. With interest from kelp processors, these species could provide economic diversification while supporting Indigenous-led mariculture efforts.
Final Report
Final data, photos, and figures
Project: Sea Urchin Ranching for Coastal Communities
Lead Organization: University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)
Funding: $136,861
Species: Green Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis)
Region: Kenai Peninsula
UAF researchers – in collaboration with local oyster farms, a UAF/NOAA research station, and the Seldovia Village Tribe – will evaluate the feasibility of ranching green sea urchins using existing oyster farming gear. This project will collect sea urchins from barrens and ranch them using various feed types, including kelp, wrack, and custom kelp pellets. Results will be analyzed for growth and roe yield and marketability. The goal is to produce high-quality roe for seafood markets while providing additional options for mariculture farming.
Final Report [Pending]
Project: Dulse Hatchery Cultivation Manual
Lead Organization: University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)
Funding: $87,487
Species: Pacific Dulse [Red Ribbon Seaweed] (Devaleraea mollis)
Region: Southeast
This project builds on two years of successful indoor cultivation of dulse, a red seaweed prized for its high protein content and nutritional value. UAF researchers will conduct a literature review and interviews to inform a hatchery cultivation manual. Dulse not only holds potential for human consumption but also serves as an ideal feed for pinto abalone (also being grown in the UAF lab conducting this dulse research).
Interim Update #1
Interim Update #2
Final Report [Pending]
Project: Advancing Pinto Abalone Farming in Alaska
Lead Organization: University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)
Funding: $149,982
Species: Pinto Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana)
Region: Southeast
This project will develop protocols for transitioning pinto abalone from laboratory nurseries to ocean-based farming systems. Historically, pinto abalone populations in Alaska have declined. UAF researchers will conduct outplanting experiments in partnership with local aquatic farmer partners in Southern Southeast Alaska. The project will identify the optimal size for transferring juvenile abalone to ocean farms and test rearing cage designs that enhance survival.
Interim Update: May 2025
Interim Update: May 2026
Pathology Report
Poster (2026 Mariculture Conference of Alaska)
Final Report [Pending]
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.
