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

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.