An open-source platform for Alaska’s seaweed and oyster industries with valuable insights, maps, multimedia, and more! Funded through the AMC's Equipment & Technology grant component.
About the Alaska Mariculture Cluster
In September 2022, the U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded Southeast Conference (SEC) a $49 million Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant to catalyze a sustainable mariculture industry for the long-term benefit of Alaska’s economy, environment, and communities. SEC is now the lead entity of the Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC), a coalition that includes mariculture industry members, tribal organizations, regulatory agencies, universities, Economic Development Districts, trade organizations, and others. The full project period is October 1, 2022 to September 28, 2026, though some projects may be extended up until May 28, 2027.
Mariculture Opportunity in Alaska
Mariculture refers to marine shellfish and seaweed products and their farming, processing, and sales. Finfish farming is prohibited by law in Alaska.
Alaska has many strengths that make it an ideal environment for mariculture: clean and abundant waters, skills and abilities of coastal Alaskans maritime experience, culture knowledge of indigenous Alaskans, and existing seafood industry and infrastructure. The state has research and development capacity at the University and industry levels, as well as a sophisticated seafood marketing organization that effectively reaches consumers all over the nation and the world. The regulatory process and agencies are accessible, and the state legislature has been supportive with regulation and funding programs.
AMC Grant Components
Until recently, Alaska’s mariculture industry has lacked the initial public investment needed to de-risk the sector and stimulate the private investment needed to develop a viable value chain and introduce shellfish and seaweed products in international and domestic markets. The components of the Alaska Mariculture Cluster grant are designed to lay the groundwork for the industry to advance with a heartbeat of equity and sustainability.
U.S. EDA BBBRC Funding & Grant Component Breakdown
