1. Chugach Regional Resources Commission

An Economic Assessment of Harvesting, Processing, and Primary Stabilization Methods for Commercially Grown Kelp

Funding: $122,967
Region: Kenai Peninsula
Location: Seward, AK

This study evaluates the costs and viability of different approaches to harvesting, processing, and stabilizing kelp biomass on the Kenai Peninsula. The analysis includes freezing and other primary stabilization techniques to enable year-round storage and transportation. By identifying the most cost-effective and scalable methods, the project aims to help local farmers extend the shelf life of their product and access distant markets, which is crucial for developing a stable mariculture supply chain in Southcentral Alaska.

Interim Update
Final Report (Pending)

2. Prince William Sound Economic Development District (PWSEDD)

Business Plan for Shared Mariculture & Seafood Processing Center

Funding: $105,000
Region: Prince William Sound
Location: Cordova, AK

This project explores the feasibility of establishing a shared-use seafood and mariculture processing center in Cordova, complete with a comprehensive business plan and preliminary architectural and engineering design. The envisioned facility would provide processing, freezing, and drying infrastructure for kelp and other mariculture products, serving multiple growers. The study aims to meet immediate capacity needs while building the foundation for long-term regional growth and collaboration among mariculture businesses in Prince William Sound.

Final Report (Pending)

3. Kodiak Economic Development Corporation (KEDC)

Mariculture Processing Hub

Funding: $150,000
Region: Southwest
Location: Kodiak, AK

This study investigates the feasibility of a regional processing hub in the Kodiak Archipelago, with the goal of expanding value-added production for kelp and shellfish. It will assess current and projected infrastructure needs, potential facility locations, and the business case for a centralized processing site. By coordinating with growers and processors, the project intends to fill infrastructure gaps, strengthen the local mariculture economy, and position Kodiak as a key processing hub for Southwest Alaska’s mariculture products. 

Final Report (Pending)

4. Native Conservancy

Mobile Seaweed Processing and Dehydration

Funding: $116, 316
Region: Prince William Sound
Location: Cordova, AK

The Native Conservancy is examining the technical and financial feasibility of a mobile, water-based processing platform that would travel to seaweed farms to perform dehydration on-site. This floating facility concept would allow remote farms—especially in Prince William Sound—to process seaweed without having to invest in expensive, land-based infrastructure. The project aligns with Indigenous values of environmental stewardship and could provide a culturally appropriate, scalable model for mariculture development in rural coastal communities.

Final Report

*This project shares a final report with Study #8: Organized Village of Kake. Both projects contracted with the same engineering firm, Swope Design Solutions.

5. OceansAlaska

Modular Processing Facility & Mariculture Innovation Center

Funding: $150,000
Region: Southeast
Location: Ketchikan, AK

This study envisions a modular, small-scale processing facility that could serve as a mariculture innovation center in Southeast Alaska. The facility would include cold/cool storage, a commercial kitchen, and product assembly spaces, allowing small producers to stabilize and package their goods for local and regional sale. Designed to be scalable and replicable, the facility would lower the barrier to entry for new mariculture entrepreneurs and foster innovation by providing a shared space for testing value-added products and processes.

Final Report (Pending)

6. Saltwater, Inc.

Assessing the Feasibility of Setting Up a Regional Kelp Biorefinery

Funding: $94,287
Region: Kenai Peninsula
Location: Homer, AK

Saltwater Inc. is evaluating the viability of a kelp biorefinery that could be integrated into an existing fish-processing facility on the Kenai Peninsula. The study will assess how harvested kelp can be transformed into high-value secondary products such as skincare ingredients, biostimulants, or fertilizers. By tapping into underutilized infrastructure and exploring downstream processing opportunities, this project aims to diversify Alaska’s mariculture value chain and attract new investment into kelp-based industries.

Final Report (Pending)

7. Alaska Oyster Cooperative

Sea Otter Sound Cooperative Mariculture Center

Funding: $145,000
Region: Southeast
Location: Naukati, AK

This feasibility study focuses on a potential cooperative mariculture facility in Little Naukati Bay that would be jointly owned and operated by farmers. The proposed center would serve as a centralized hub for receiving, cleaning, storing, packaging, and shipping mariculture products, particularly oysters and seaweed. The cooperative model aims to reduce costs, share risk, and empower producers through collective ownership, especially in a remote region where individual infrastructure development may be cost-prohibitive.

Final Report (Pending)

8. Organized Village of Kake

Seaweed Processing and Dehydration

Funding: $106,260
Region: Southeast
Location: Kake, AK

This study evaluates the economic and engineering feasibility of building a land-based seaweed dehydration facility in Kake that could also process other local food products. A distinctive feature of the concept is its integration with existing waste heat infrastructure from the local power plant, which could provide sustainable and cost-effective energy for drying operations. The facility would support local job creation, food security, and economic diversification while honoring Kake’s Indigenous leadership in mariculture development.

Final Report

*This project shares a final report with Study #4: Native Conservancy. Both projects contracted with the same engineering firm, Swope Design Solutions.

9. Ketchikan Agricultural Producers Association (KAPA)

Shared-Use Mariculture Hub

Funding: $93,781
Region: Southeast
Location: Ketchikan, AK

This project examines the feasibility of developing a shared-use processing and cold storage hub in the Ketchikan area to serve Southeast Alaska’s mariculture sector. The study will analyze site suitability, funding and ownership models, and business plan options to support the region’s growing kelp and oyster farming operations. By enabling efficient aggregation and processing of mariculture products, the hub would reduce logistical bottlenecks and encourage collaborative investment in shared infrastructure.

Final Report