Statistics about the Alaska mariculture industry are limited and often not up to date, which makes it difficult to answer seemingly basic questions such as “how much sugar kelp was planted in Prince William Sound this year?” and “are there sufficient facilities to fulfill the anticipated need for juvenile oysters in Southeast Alaska?”

To address these data limitations and grow the industry, the Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) is asking industry members to please respond to the following questionnaires. Your participation will help us answer these and other questions, guide the cluster’s work, and address industry priorities.

Isn’t there a lot of reported data out there already?

Yes, ADF&G and DNR provide a variety of useful data, which will also be used to inform the study. These questionnaires fill data gaps and provide more timely and forward looking information – tailored to the needs of the AMC grant as it invests $49+ million into the Alaska mariculture industry through 2026.

How will my data be shared?

Your responses will be sent directly to MRG and published only in aggregate form with data from multiple operations to produce statewide and regional summary information. MRG has a decades-long history of performing surveys and protecting the confidentiality of respondents.  Please direct any technical questions regarding the survey to  sfriedman@mckinleyresearch.com.

Who is leading the Research Project?

Southeast Conference (SEC) contracted with McKinley Research Group (MRG) and Pacific Shellfish Institute (PSI) to complete this three-year research project through a competitive RFP (2024-01). MRG has long history of maritime-related economic research, including Alaska’s seaweed and shellfish industries. PSI Director Bobbi Hudson has deep knowledge of shellfish farming in Alaska and in the broader Pacific Northwest and national contexts.

How and when will the Research Project be presented?

Your responses and supplemental data sources will be analyzed and compiled into a comprehensive annual perspective on the state of the mariculture industry in Alaska, which will be made available to the public each fall. It will also be integrated into an Alaska Mariculture Insights web platform currently under development by Hatch Innovation Services for Southeast Conference and AMC.

What other data sources will be incorporated into the Research Project?

• Farm/Hatchery Operator Interviews
• Aquatic Farm Operation Permit Annual Reports (Alaska Department of Fish & Game)
• Aquatic Farm Lease Applications & Summary Data (Alaska Department of Natural Resources)
• Other Sources as available

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.