business development
Seaweed processing and handling workshop provides workforce training
Seaweed farming is a major industry worldwide, and the United States imports more than 95%—19 million tons—of its edible seaweed. Alaska has an ideal environment for producing home-grown seaweed to meet a greater share of the domestic market and as a potential export to meet international demand. Interest in seaweed farming is growing in Alaska,…
Read MoreSupervisor training for seafood processors
Alaska Sea Grant and the Applied Business program at the UAF Community and Technical College are collaborating to offer leadership and supervisory skills training for workers in the seafood processing industry. The first workshops were hosted at the Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center in April. Nineteen participants attended the initial trainings, which covered the…
Read MoreAlaska aquaculture permitting support bolsters new aquatic farm applications
Alaska’s burgeoning mariculture industry, which includes shellfish and seaweed farming, has substantial economic potential for coastal communities. The path to establish an aquatic farm is challenging, as prospective farmers are required to file multiple permits with four or more state and federal agencies. This confusing and time-consuming multi-agency permitting process was identified by the state’s…
Read MoreAlaska Sea Grant receives $450,000 donation from Northwest Farm Credit Services
Alaska Sea Grant at the University of Alaska Fairbanks received a $450,000 donation from Northwest Farm Credit Services (NWFCS) to fund several programs that support Alaska’s commercial seafood harvesters, pillars of the state’s economy.
Read MoreNew law supports training for young fishermen
The “Young Fishermen’s Development Act” was signed into law on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. The goal of the act is to “preserve United States fishing heritage through a national program dedicated to training and assisting the next generation of commercial fishermen.” The bill received bipartisan support and was championed by Reps. Young (AK), Moulton (MA),…
Read MoreSeeking input on Aquaculture Opportunity Area designations
Alaska Sea Grant and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are inviting Alaska stakeholders to provide input regarding a federal Aquaculture Opportunity Area (AOA) designation program that has the potential to streamline aquaculture development in Alaska. The process, being implemented by the NOAA Aquaculture Program, will identify the regions that will be included in…
Read More‘Meet Your Alaska Farmer’ video series debuts
As part of the Alaska Shellfish and Seaweed Growers Project, we’re highlighting various mariculture crops from around the state with a “Meet Your Alaskan Farmer” video series. In this first installment, you’ll meet one of Alaska’s 60 mariculture farmers, Meta Mesdag from Juneau, Alaska, who recently started Salty Lady Seafood Company.
Read MoreAlaska Sea Grant debuts farm-to-table mariculture directory for Alaska
Alaskans who love fresh Alaska seafood will be happy to hear that Alaska Sea Grant has begun development of an online directory of farms and retailers that sell Alaska-grown shellfish and seaweed, locally or through mail order.
Read MoreAlaska Sea Grant efforts result in over $8.5 million in economic benefits to Alaska in 2019
Alaska Sea Grant projects and programs produced over $8.5 million in economic benefits to the state last year, as reported to National Sea Grant. These benefits were the result of our work in marine safety training, seafood safety classes, seafood technology programs, professional consultations, and other activities. The creation and support of jobs and business…
Read MoreGearing up for summit of young fishermen
The eighth Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit (AYFS) is coming soon. Sponsored by Alaska Sea Grant, the three-day networking and skill-building conference is aimed at new entrants in Alaska’s commercial fishing industry to help them manage and grow their businesses. Next month, it’ll be held at the Westmark Baranof Hotel in downtown Juneau, January 21–23, 2020.…
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