Overview
The Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) is a statewide coalition that exists to catalyze the mariculture industry of Alaska for long-term economic, environmental, and community benefit. Partners include shellfish and seaweed producers, tribal and trade organizations, regulatory agencies, universities, and others.
The coalition is supported by a $49 million US Economic Development Administration Build Back Better Regional Challenge award, led by Southeast Conference. There are eight grant components that address topics including workforce development, market development, research projects, and technology deployment. Most projects within the AMC project period will extend to September 2026. AFDF is the subawardee for the following grant projects:
Joint Innovation Projects
As part of the Research & Development grant component, AFDF oversees the administration of the Joint Innovation Projects (JIP) program. The 29 individual research projects address a variety of challenges in Alaska’s emerging mariculture industry, including creating private sector partnerships, testing new technology and techniques, and implementing innovative solutions to industry barriers. Project findings and outputs are publicly available to benefit current and future industry participants.
All Joint Innovation Projects
De-Risking Investments in Aquatic Farming
As part of the Research & Development grant component, AFDF directs the De-Risking Investments & Site Suitability Program that supports confidence in Alaska’s emerging mariculture industry by reducing barriers to farm investment and site-selection. Investors and developers in Alaska’s mariculture sector face elevated levels of uncertainty, including site-exposure risk, physical ocean conditions, biological inputs, and capital cost assumptions. This research component addresses these risks by generating publicly available data to aid in decision making and investment readiness. Two projects have been awarded funding:
Seaweed Tissue Analysis Program
AFDF leads the Seaweed Tissue Analysis Program under the Research & Development grant component. The project analyzes the tissue composition of multiple seaweed and kelp species in Alaska. By establishing baselines for nutritional content and valuable bioactive compounds, the program is a substantial step towards the commercialization and scaling of Alaska’s seaweed industry. As of 2024, more than 100 samples from 15 species have been analyzed. Results are publicly available through the interactive Seaweed Tissue Analysis Dashboard, and species profiles will be created for direct comparisons of carbohydrates, vitamins, bioactives, and trace elements differences between species.
Results Dashboard
Green Energy in Mariculture
AFDF manages the Green Energy in Mariculture project component, with programs designed to develop sustainable energy sources and minimize fossil fuel usage. The funded projects will collect current baseline energy usage data, analyze renewable energy alternatives, and develop a long-term renewable energy plan that includes a “best practice” guide for energy audits and standards across the mariculture industry. These objectives position the industry towards energy efficient and forward-looking designs right from the start, creating cost-effective, sustainable operations that are resilient to future changes.
Green Energy Projects
Green Energy News & Reports
