Techstars Startup Week Alaska 2021

The mariculture industry in Alaska is currently small, however, it is poised for dramatic growth. The statewide Alaska Mariculture Development Plan, written by the governor-appointed Mariculture Task Force, set a goal to grow the industry to $100 million per year by 2038. The state is already starting to see this growth with 69 lease applications, totaling 2,583 acres, submitted to the state of Alaska for new or expanded aquatic farms since 2016. Alaska’s rich and productive waters are well suited for growing shellfish and seaweed, Alaskans are well versed in marine-based activities, and Alaska’s commercial fishing infrastructure can serve to jointly support the mariculture industry. Mariculture can also bring ecosystem benefits, such as habitat provisioning, reducing impacts of ocean acidification, and bring economic benefit through sustainable food production and green jobs. As mariculture comes into focus for the state’s seafood industry, Alaska Sea Grant seeks to provide support through outreach, education, and research and to serve as a science-based, non-advocate resource. To learn more, join us for Startup Week Alaska.