Aquatic farmers wanted for collaborative research

Alaska Sea Grant and the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation are seeking aquatic farmers to join a 10-year, $25 million mariculture research proposal to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS) Trustee Council. Aquatic farmers from Prince William Sound, Kachemak Bay, and the Kodiak area are invited to submit an application.

The proposed project is expected to involve nine farms, three each in Prince William Sound, Kachemak Bay, and Kodiak Island. The research will focus on the interplay between aquatic farms and ecosystem services, restoration of spill-affected species, pelagic and benthic ecosystems, and marine mammals. It will also look at development of oyster breeding technologies, kelp production techniques, and economics related to mariculture and product development.

Approved applicants will be compensated for their time and effort in this project.

Interested aquatic farmers can apply online to collaborate on this project, or address questions and request an application from Melissa Good or Julie Decker.

Applications must be received by July 7, 2021.

Boat, buoys and floats at a mariculture farm
Salty Lady Seafood oyster growing operation in Bridget Cove near Juneau. Photo courtesy of Hannah Wilson.