In Alaska, mariculture offers tremendous potential to provide resiliency to communities facing future threats from declining fish stocks, ocean acidification and warming, and other changes. NOAA Fisheries is a key partner in helping the mariculture industry grow in an environmentally sound manner, making significant contributions through grant initiatives, engagement in the Mariculture Task Force (MTF), partnership with Alaska Sea Grant, and other collaborations.
In 2014, NOAA provided a grant to the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation to lead the Alaska Mariculture Initiative (AMI) – a strategy to accelerate the development of mariculture in Alaska. AMI Phase 1 led to the development of the MTF by Administrative Orders under Governor Walker and the adoption of the Alaska Mariculture Development Plan, with the goal to grow a $100 million industry in 20 years. Additional outcomes of this project were two economic analyses projecting the growth trajectory of Alaska’s mariculture industry, passage of state legislation allowing for financing to support hatcheries, and submission of 33 new aquatic farm, nursery or hatchery applications.
In 2018, AFDF received another SK grant for phase 2 of the AMI, including the continued facilitation of the MTF, creation of a Five-Year Action Plan, as well as the transition from the MTF to a new nonprofit coordinating body, the Alaska Mariculture Alliance (AMA) and accompanying Mariculture Research and Training Center (MRTC). Phase 2 also led to a new University research position, passage of state legislation to improve the lease process and expand the eligible entities for the Mariculture Revolving Loan Fund, training of 300 prospective mariculture farmers in Alaska, submission of 67 new aquatic farm applications, hiring of two new positions in Alaska Dept. of Natural Resources to process new farm applications and a corresponding reduction in application processing times by over 50%.
In 2021, the MTF provided a Final Report to Governor Dunleavy highlighting accomplishments under the Five-Year Action Plan, and the remaining priority recommendations. NOAA Fisheries aided in the accomplishment of these, including: increased NOAA capacity to support mariculture development; hosting a mariculture workshop and developing a summary report; and facilitating developing an Alaska aquaculture permitting portal to improve permitting efficiencies.
Between 2018 and 2021, over $4 million was invested in mariculture development by federal, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as NGOs, and private companies. However, the latest and most significant funding contribution resulted from the Exxon-Valdez Trust Council recently approving full funding for three Alaska mariculture research projects totaling $32.8 million. The AMA, MRTC, and NOAA Fisheries will continue to be critical partners in advancing mariculture development in Alaska.