Conference continues Alaska mariculture momentum
Over 200 attendees from across the nation gathered in Anchorage in February for the 3rd Annual Mariculture Conference of Alaska. This four-day event supported the continued development of shellfish and seaweed mariculture in the state by examining accomplishments, challenges and opportunities in research, innovative practices, educational opportunities and drivers of industry growth.
The event kicked off with welcome remarks by Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom and closed with remarks from University of Alaska President Pat Pitney, who declared “The University of Alaska is all in for mariculture.”
Keynote presentations were given by Dune Lankard of Native Conservancy and mariculture catalyst Keolani Booth. Lankard, who is an Eyak Athabaskan Native from the Copper River Delta and Prince William Sound, shared his personal history and experience, while Metlakatla Indian Community councilperson Booth provided encouragement to incorporate Native and traditional perspectives into mariculture industry planning and programming.
The conference debuted an industry tradeshow alongside the conference poster session and a raw oyster bar with oysters shucked by Alaska growers.
The mariculture conference highlighted recent advancements, including the release of an Alaska Mariculture Workforce Development Plan by Alaska Sea Grant, which covers goals, strategies, and action steps for meeting the industry’s training needs. Maile Branson, science director at the Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute, shared an Alaskan adage, “When the tide’s out, the table is set,” as she described ongoing shellfish enhancement projects.
“The energy and enthusiasm was evident in the room as industry professionals, agency personnel, scientists, students and others coalesced around a common goal,” Alaska Sea Grant director Ginny Eckert reflected. “I am pleased to see that Alaskan mariculture is gaining attention from around the country. We are poised to meet Governor Dunleavy’s goal to become the mariculture capital of the world.”
Several events were held adjacent to the conference, including an Aquaculture Opportunities Area planning workshop and Alaska Mariculture Alliance and Alaska Shellfish Growers annual meetings.
The conference was supported by 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. Financial support was provided by the State of Alaska with economic development funds provided to the University of Alaska and Southeast Conference through a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Mariculture Conference reference materials are available on the 2024 Mariculture Conference website. Additional resources can be found at the Alaska Mariculture Research and Training Center website.
The next Mariculture Conference of Alaska is planned for February 2025 in Juneau.
