The Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) is proud to announce funding for three groundbreaking projects that will help propel Alaska’s mariculture industry by researching kelp-based biostimulants for agricultural markets. These projects, led by Pacific Kelp Company (PKC), GreenWave, and the Chugach Regional Resources Commission (CRRC), will explore new ways to utilize Alaskan kelp to enhance soil health, increase crop resilience, and unlock sustainable commercial opportunities for seaweed farming in Alaska.

Each of these projects is playing a crucial role in advancing the AMC’s vision of creating a $100 million mariculture industry within the next decade. By investing in research, commercialization, and supply chain development, the AMC is reducing risks associated with seaweed farming and fostering private investment in the sector.

These projects, funded through the Kelp Agriculture Product Development & Testing RFP, will not only strengthen Alaska’s mariculture industry but also contribute to broader agricultural sustainability efforts by providing natural, nutrient-rich alternatives to synthetic fertilizers. As the demand for eco-friendly agricultural inputs grows, Alaska’s kelp farmers and innovators are well-positioned to supply a thriving market while supporting resilient coastal economies.

Pacific Kelp Company: Transforming Alaskan Kelp into High-Value Agricultural Inputs

PKC will test the efficacy of its nutrient-dense liquid kelp extract product for turfgrass and vineyard markets specifically, as these two crop systems have great potential to benefit from a liquid kelp extract and high potential for commercialization as high value specialty crops. Collaborating with Cornell University and Washington State University, PKC will analyze the impact of these extracts on soil health, crop resilience, and yield enhancement. By proving the efficacy of kelp-based biofertilizers and biostimulants, this project will open new commercial pathways for Alaska’s mariculture industry, offering farmers an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizers.

GreenWave: Scaling Bull Kelp for Biostimulant Production

GreenWave will develop the scalable infrastructure required for the farming, harvesting, stabilization, and testing of a bull kelp-based biostimulant to meet the needs of agricultural markets. With strong partnerships, including Pacific Northwest Organics, GreenWave aims to establish a reliable supply chain that ensures Alaskan kelp is a competitive alternative to imported seaweed-derived agricultural products. This work will also support the expansion of Alaskan seaweed farms, creating new economic opportunities for coastal communities.

Chugach Regional Resources Commission: Advancing Liquid Kelp Biostimulants

CRRC will conduct research and field testing on a liquid kelp biostimulant product to refine its formulation and validate its agricultural benefits. This project seeks to improve product consistency, develop a business plan, and explore market opportunities as a way of ensuring that Alaska’s kelp products can effectively compete in the growing biostimulant market. This project builds on AMC-funded biostimulant R&D projects initiated by Regeneration North, Kachemak Kelp Hub, and CRRC through the Joint Innovations Projects program and Feasibility Studies program.

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.