The Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC) is a $49 million federal initiative awarded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Led by Southeast Conference, the coalition brings together tribal organizations, universities, regulators, seafood associations, and economic development districts to grow a sustainable shellfish and seaweed farming industry across Alaska’s extensive coastal areas.
The program is structured into eight interlinked components supporting the entire value chain:
- Revolving Loan Fund (~$9.3 M): Accessible capital prioritized for Indigenous and rural enterprises.
- Governance, Coordination & Outreach (~$2 M): Stakeholder alignment, equity monitoring, and public awareness initiatives.
- Workforce Development (~$9.3 M): Strategy and training via dual-enrollment, university, and hands-on programs, designed to connect cultural values and job placement. Key partners include University of Alaska Southeast and Alaska Sea Grant.
- Research & Development (~$8 M): Technical innovation funding, genetic studies, and annual conferences; $1.27 M awarded to 15 Joint Innovation Projects targeting processing, kelp farming, shellfish growth, and mooring systems.
- Equipment & Technology (~$15.9 M): Investments in hatcheries, nurseries, processing infrastructure, and systems like FLUPSYs to boost seed supply and reduce operating costs.
- Market Development (~$1.2 M): Product innovation and demand stimulation, including exploring kelp biostimulants for agriculture.
- Green Energy (~$0.68 M): Technical planning for renewable energy and efficiency in facilities.
- Grant Administration (~$2.53 M): Oversight, reporting, compliance, and partnership-building, with ongoing evaluation support from Ecotrust.
Major Goals
- Catalyze industry growth across the value chain, from seed production to processing and marketing.
- Center tribal, rural & underserved communities, with 50% of funding for rural areas and 25% targeted to Alaska Native groups.
- Advance innovation and sustainability, through R&D, green energy, and equity-driven governance.
- Build a skilled, culturally responsive workforce, linking education to jobs via inclusive curricula and training pathways.
Key Impacts & Takeaways
- Rapid scale-up: From virtually no seaweed production in 2018 to nearly 900,000 lb by 2022; oyster sales reaching nearly one million in the same period.
- Tribal participation: Alaska Native workers now comprise ~20% of the mariculture workforce, with dozens of permits held by tribal entrepreneurs.
- Innovation projects: 15 grant-funded research ventures are improving kelp, mooring, shellfish methods, and processing techniques.
- Loan & tech support: Revolving loans and equipment subawards have lowered entry barriers and modernized spawning nurseries and hatcheries.
- Market diversification: Investment in kelp-derived biostimulants (e.g., soil amendments) opens new markets in agriculture and beyond.
The Alaska Mariculture Cluster is laying a foundation for a projected $325 million seaweed and shellfish sector by 2040, transforming traditional practices into sustainable, community-led economic engines. It serves as a model for equity-centered, coastal industry development in remote regions.
