Alaska’s seaweed and shellfish farming industries have grown considerably in recent years, bringing new farms, equipment, processing capacity, products, and partnerships to coastal communities across the state. As the industry matures, mariculture is increasingly intersected with Alaska’s existing commercial fishing and seafood economy. 

This conversation will bring together people working at different points in the mariculture value chain to discuss what that growth looks like on the water and on the working waterfront. Panelists will share firsthand perspectives from farming, seafood and marine businesses, and industry development, including where mariculture can complement existing vessels, skills, infrastructure, processing capacity, and marine services.

Attendees will: 

• Hear firsthand perspectives from farmers, seafood businesses, and industry developers on what mariculture growth looks like in practice — on the water and on the working waterfront 

• Learn where mariculture can complement existing vessels, skills, and infrastructure that commercial fishermen and marine businesses already have 

• Understand how Alaska’s expanding seaweed and shellfish farming industries are intersecting with the broader commercial fishing and seafood economy 

• Explore where opportunities exist along the mariculture value chain for coastal businesses and fishing operations looking to diversify or expand