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 (SEC), 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 awarded funding, each targeting a different species with high potential to advance commercial farming, not including Pacific oysters, bull kelp, sugar kelp, or ribbon kelp.

Building on the success of this first cohort, SEC issued a RFP for a second cohort of Other Species R&D projects. Five new projects – conducted by universities, tribal organizations, and Alaska mariculture farmers – have been selected for funding to support the AMC’s goal of developing a $100 million mariculture industry in ten years.

The AMC’s Other Species program reflects a significant step toward diversifying Alaska’s mariculture portfolio. By expanding beyond oysters and common kelp varieties, these projects, listed below, not only enhance economic resilience but also promote sustainable practices that benefit coastal ecosystems and communities.

Each project focuses on advancing cultivation techniques, addressing ecological and economic challenges, and enhancing the market potential for previously untapped mariculture species. 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 second cohort of Other Mariculture Species projects.

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.