Summary
Part of the comprehensive planning process included an iterative economic analysis conducted in phases and in collaboration with the Alaska Mariculture Task Force. Phase 2 of the Economic Analysis to Inform a Comprehensive Plan is complete and can be viewed here. Phase 2 reviews Alaska’s existing mariculture industry, markets for six most likely species, and existing industries in other similar regions. Given investments in critical infrastructure necessary, Phase 2 presents an economic framework for Alaska’s future mariculture developments including production goals and annual values by species for 5, 10 and 20 years into the future, while also giving total economic impact projections for 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years into the future. Phase 2 was funded by an EDA grant, which was matched by cash contributions from the State of Alaska, Alaska Shellfish Growers’ Association, American Seafoods, Aleutian Pribilof Islands Community Development Association, AFDF Board members, as well as a number of individual personal donations. AFDF thanks these individuals/organizations for their support of the vision to develop mariculture in Alaska.
