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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 Update [Pending]
Final Report [Pending]
Project: Dragon Kelp & Split Kelp Farming
Lead Organization: Kodiak Archipelago Leadership Institute (KALI)
Funding: $106,766
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.
Interim Update [Pending]
Final Report [Pending]
Project: Dulse Hatchery Cultivation Manual
Lead Organization: University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)
Funding: $87,487
Species: 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 [Pending]
Final Report [Pending]
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.
Interim Update [Pending]
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 [Pending]
Final Report [Pending]
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.
