Alaska Mariculture Workshop Summary Report

Mariculture - considered in the State of Alaska to be the enhancement, restoration, and farming of shellfish and seaweed - is a burgeoning industry in this region of the United States. The Alaska Mariculture Task Force established a goal of developing a $100 million industry in 20 years. They outlined recommendations to achieve this goal in the 2018 Mariculture Development Plan. To help Alaskans advance towards this ambitious goal, NOAA Fisheries and Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission convened a multi-day workshop with more than 60 mariculture development stakeholders to identify needs and challenges facing the industry. The workshop also explored opportunities for coordination and leadership in the areas of research, policy and permitting, and access to capital.

This workshop summary provides an overview of shared informational presentations and both small and large group discussion outputs. Building on the foundational work of the Development Plan, the outputs described will inform and help facilitate important steps forward as mariculture continues to develop and expand its reach in Alaskan waters.