Mariculture Conference of Alaska coming in February

Alaska Sea Grant and Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation with support from the Alaska Mariculture Cluster will host the 3rd Annual Mariculture Conference of Alaska in Anchorage, February 26–29. Registration is now open for the event. Farmers, researchers and professionals in mariculture-related industries and agencies will meet to present and discuss mariculture innovations, science and activities in Alaska.

The goal of the conference is to support the continued development of mariculture in the state by examining accomplishments, challenges and opportunities in spatial planning, research, innovative practices, educational opportunities, and drivers of industry growth.

The first day of the conference includes a workshop on NOAA Aquaculture Opportunity Areas identification processes being offered by NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service and National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science. This will be followed by an evening reception hosted by NOAA and the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation.

The second day features the Alaska Mariculture Alliance annual meeting and Alaska Shellfish Growers Association annual meeting. Both the AMA and ASGA meetings require registration and are for members only. On February 28, AFDF and Alaska Sea Grant will host an evening poster session and trade show reception.

On February 28 and 29, there will be presentations, discussions and panels addressing innovations in nurseries and hatcheries, on the farm, and in processing and marketing. Researchers will provide updates on mariculture research, trainers will discuss workforce development opportunities, and community leaders will discuss regenerative ocean farming.

All events will be held at the Hotel Captain Hook in downtown Anchorage. For information and to register for the various events that are a part of the conference, visit the Alaska Mariculture Conference website.

The annual conference supports the development of shellfish and seaweed production in Alaska, looking at accomplishments and opportunities in areas including research, education, community and industry growth. This year’s conference is coordinated by a committee with members from Alaska Sea Grant, NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Alaska Mariculture Alliance, Alaska Mariculture Cluster, Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, Alaska Shellfish Growers Association, NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Conference, and World Wildlife Foundation. Conference support is provided by the State of Alaska and Southeast Conference through a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.