> Marine aquaculture, or mariculture, provides economic opportunities for coastal communities in Alaska through the farming of shellfish and seaweed. NOAA Fisheries continues to support Alaska’s growing aquaculture industry through policy and permitting, providing access to capital, and research. This new video highlights one of our newest aquaculture research collaborations. This research is being conducted by the Alaska Fisheries […]
A few weeks ago, Sarah Gravem lowered a “ravenous, terrifying predator” from her boat down to the ocean floor off Sitka. Then she released it. In a slow-motion drama, sea urchins fled as a pizza-size sunflower sea star oozed toward them. Gravem explained: “I release one right in the middle and watch everybody freak out. […]
Seaweed farming is a major industry worldwide, with the United States importing more than 95%—19 million tons—of its edible seaweed. Alaska’s coast is ideal for producing home-grown seaweed to meet a greater share of the domestic market and to export and meet international demand. While interest in seaweed farming is growing in Alaska, a lack […]
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration issues awards for impactful economic development initiatives. As part of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge, the Alaska Mariculture Cluster has won nearly $49 million in grants to support the local Alaska mariculture industry. This will enable shellfish and seaweed aquaculture to expand in the state. The Alaska […]