Information Resources
These multimedia resources provide in-depth information on aquaculture including the NOAA Fisheries Alaska Aquaculture Program, permitting, and Aquaculture Opportunity Areas in Alaska.
State of Alaska Aquaculture Report
This is a good place to start for anyone interested in learning more about Alaskan aquaculture. The State of Alaska Aquaculture Report is a first-of-its-kind overview of the aquaculture industry in Alaska, revealing the state’s opportunities and challenges to date.
Aquaculture Permitting Portal
The Alaska Aquaculture Permitting Portal outlines the steps necessary to receive state and federal leases and permits to conduct commercial marine aquaculture activities in Alaska.
The Alaska Aquaculture Permitting Guidance Document gives a hard copy of the information provided on the portal.
Videos
These short documentary videos highlight Alaska aquaculture farms and explore the benefits of kelp farming:
Alaska Kelp Farming: A New Sustainable Seafood Industry
Worldwide, ocean farmers grow millions of metric tons of aquatic plants each year. A growing number of seaweed farms are sprouting up in the United States. These Alaska kelp farmers are working to change the perceptions of ocean farming and seaweeds by making salsa, pickles, and even seasoning from their crops. Along with increasing our sustainable seafood supply, ocean farms can keep working waterfronts vibrant and provide important economic opportunities in coastal areas nationwide.
Do Alaskan Kelp Farms Provide Habitat for Animals?
NOAA researchers are investigating whether seaweed farms in Alaska could provide habitat to local Alaskan marine species, just like natural kelp beds. NOAA researchers have partnered with kelp farmers in Kodiak to accomplish year two of this research project.
Looking Under the Canopy: Do Alaska Kelp Farms Provide Habitat for Native Species?
This video highlights aquaculture research collaborations between the Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Kodiak Laboratory and Alaska Ocean Farms, an aquaculture company based in Kodiak.
Aquaculture Opportunity Areas in Alaska
In June 2023, NOAA Fisheries announced that it would be identifying Aquaculture Opportunity Areas in Alaska state waters, collaborating with the State of Alaska in a multi-year planning process. Aquaculture Opportunity Areas are defined geographic areas evaluated through both spatial analysis and National Environmental Policy Act review processes that are determined to be environmentally, socially, and economically appropriate to support multiple commercial aquaculture operations.
Education Resources
The NOAA Fisheries Alaska Aquaculture Program has numerous resources for teachers and students interested in learning more about aquaculture.
Curricula
Seaweed in the Classroom (K-5): NOAA Fisheries Alaska developed the following seaweed curriculum for K-5 classrooms. The curriculum is divided into has three modules: What is Seaweed?, Seaweed Lifecycle, and Cultural Significance of Seaweed.
Ocean Literacy Principles and Next Generation Science Standards addressed in each module are available at the end of the module. These lessons have been tailored to grades K-5, but can be adapted for middle and high school students.
Raven Writes Seaweed Sustainability Overview, Lesson Plans, and Resources (4th Grade):
Sealaska Heritage Institute in partnership with the Juneau School District developed the Raven Writes curricula and resources. This content educates 4th grade students about the cultural and environmental significance of seaweed in Southeast Alaska. The units integrate science and social studies, as well as current initiatives and practices.
Aquarium Resources
NOAA Fisheries developed resources for helping educators build and operate seaweed aquariums for the classroom. See the links below for the aquarium supplies, and construction manual.
- Seaweed Aquarium Supplies: This spreadsheet contains a list, with prices and links, of all materials required (including example links and approximate pricing) to build a seaweed aquarium system.
- Seaweed Aquarium Construction Manual: This manual and video guide contains instructions on how to build a seaweed aquarium for classroom settings.
Get Involved
Look for opportunities for public engagement with the Aquaculture Opportunity Area identification process in Alaska, and join us. Look for opportunities for public engagement, and join us.
Learn more about our aquaculture work in Alaska
Contact Us
For communication questions, please contact the NOAA Fisheries Alaska Regional Aquaculture Coordinators:
