This presentation will give background on the seaweed mariculture industry in Alaska; report on the strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to this nascent industry; and conclude with the types of projects to mitigate our weaknesses and threats, and to take advantage of our strengths and opportunities.
The mariculture industry in Alaska is currently small, yet poised to grow. As of October 2021, this included 39 aquatic farms permitted to grow kelp and 5 hatcheries. Seaweeds, including sugar kelp ( Saccharina latissima ), bull kelp ( Nereocystis luetkeana ), and ribbon kelp ( Alaria marginata ), are increasing in production with over 231,000 lbs harvested in 2021 (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 2021). There is support across the state to grow the industry. The Alaska Mariculture Development Plan set a goal to grow this industry to $100 million in 20 years (Alaska Mariculture Task Force, 2018). Included in this growth is the predicted expansion of the cultivation of seaweed in Alaska’s waters.
Mariculture opportunities are tailor-made for Alaska and Alaskans. Alaska’s rich and productive waters are well suited for growing both shellfish and seaweed (finfish farming is illegal), Alaskans are well versed in marine-based activities, and Alaska’s commercial fishing infrastructure (boats and processing) can serve to jointly support the mariculture industry.
The future structure of Alaska’s seaweed industry is, for the most part, yet to be defined. The history and scale of Alaska’s seafood industry has spawned a strong academic support system housed at the University of Alaska, primarily through the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program (MAP). Alaska Sea Grant is a recognized leader in Alaska’s aquaculture and mariculture industries and has been a major driving force for shellfish and seaweed mariculture development. Now, as seaweed comes into focus for the state’s seafood industry, the MAP seeks to empower farmers and other small businesses in developing an industry that’s accessible to Alaska’s coastal community residents, offers economic promise to those willing to work for it, offers opportunities for value-added processing and marketing within the state, and can grow to compete globally.