My exploration into the kelp world began in 2016.  With less opportunity in the fishing industry for me close to home(Kodiak), I began to look for other ways to supplement lost income and being closer to home, thus leading me to being one of the first commercial kelp farms in Alaska. This journey has not only become a passion but led me to learning more about the capabilities that may exist for environmental stewardship through mariculture.  I really like the idea that not only what I am doing can create a new industry in my hometown of Kodiak, but that it can also help keep our surrounding water rich and full of life through the services shellfish and kelp are known to provide.  The Alaska Mariculture Cluster has given me the ability to represent this industry, network, and learn about markets and the needs of both the kelp and oyster industries.  My work as the Southwest Alaska Municipal Conferences mariculture director has opened my eyes to the potential for economic growth through the blue economy.