Researchers funded through the Alaska Mariculture Cluster’s (AMC) Seaweed Tissue Analysis Program have launched a new database to make findings more accessible. The program continues to build on previous work to better understand the potential product and market applications for 15 different seaweed species native to Alaska.

In March 2026, AMC released the 2025 Seaweed Tissue Analysis data, which analyzes macronutrient, mineral, heavy metal, and sugar compositions of farmed and wild seaweed from around Alaska. Now, there is a new database with a variety of user-friendly features, including filtering seaweed by type, exploring wild vs. farm seaweed compositions, exporting custom datasets, a review of laboratory protocols and references, and full sampling and biomass preparation protocols. Led by Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF), Marine Biologics, and SCRC Consulting, Inc. (SCRC), this database supports Alaska’s mariculture industry by making it easier for farmers and processors to inform strategic farming choices, develop effective processing solutions, and create innovative products.

AFDF, Marine Biologics, and SCRC are looking for feedback on how to make it the most useful tool for industry and researchers to better understand seaweed composition for both quality and safety. AMC is seeking partner engagement in the development of this tool and encourages interested individuals to help identify new features for use to push and build out this tool. On the database, there’s a “Questions/Comments” tab, where users can submit feedback. With input from academics, farmers, processors, researchers, and innovators from around the state, this database will become a valuable resource for future research and mariculture industry grow in Alaska.

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 Alaska Mariculture Cluster is October 1, 2022 to September 38, 2026, though some projects may be extended up until May 28, 2027.