Alaska Sea Grant

Sanitation Control Procedures for Seafood Processors — 2025
2025-04-25 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Anchorage) | Online
Seafood processors are required to monitor sanitary control procedures used during processing, to document conformance with proper sanitary conditions and practices. This one-day Sanitation Control Procedures for Seafood Processors online workshop teaches people in the seafood industry how to develop and implement FDA-mandated sanitation control procedures, covering the basic eight points of sanitation and documentation requirements.

The workshop includes demonstrations of using test kits to monitor common sanitizer residuals.

This workshop is free for Kodiak Island Borough residents, made possible with funding from the Kodiak Island Borough. (Kodiak Island Borough residents use registration code KB25 during checkout.)

REGISTER FOR WORKSHOP

Prior to the event you will receive e-mailed instructions for attending the workshop.

Course instructor: Chris Sannito, Seafood Technology Specialist

Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory ProgramKodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center

• Seafood processing• Environmental compliance• Product development• Small business operations• HACCP• Commercial fish smoking

Alaska Sea Grant accommodation and code of conduct

Alaska Sea Grant is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in activities, meetings, or events. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least five business days in advance to sea.grant@alaska.edu. Participants and organizers of Alaska Sea Grant-sponsored activities are supported by the Alaska Sea Grant event code of conduct.

2025 Western Alaska Interdisciplinary Science Conference
2025-04-15 - 2025-04-17 | Naknek Native Village Council, Stenvall St, Naknek, AK, 99633, United States
The 2025 conference will highlight needs to maintain strength, health, and subsistence lifestyles while moving forward during rapid transitions within the environment, ecology, and industries of Western Alaska. A conference priority is the continued sharing of knowledge across cultural boundaries.

Adapt in Place workshop–2025
2025-04-15 - 2025-04-17 | The Nave — Anchorage, 3502 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK, 99503, United States
Coastal communities in rural Alaska are reliant on federal programs for health, housing, and infrastructure. A challenge in addressing the projected impacts of climate change is that federal programs are designed to address a disaster after the fact, not as it is occurring or before it occurs.

Equity in addressing climate change is a pressing challenge in Alaska, nationally, and across Arctic North America. While some communities can leverage a wealthy tax base to fund significant infrastructure projects to address the impacts of climate change, others, often tribally managed communities, which are remote and economically disadvantaged, lack tax bases to fund even the most basic of services. In rural Alaska, Alaska Native Tribal governments have many pressing challenges, and the ability to navigate federal programs to access funding can be a barrier to addressing community resilience.

This workshop will provide the opportunity to bring together communities from across rural coastal Alaska and Arctic Canada to participate in a dialogue focused on co-producing knowledge, to discuss and describe how to slowly migrate away from the coast, the barriers and successes of this effort, and a path forward for communities to build better community well-being.

REGISTER FOR WORKSHOP

Alaska Sea Grant accommodation and code of conduct

Alaska Sea Grant is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in activities, meetings, or events. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least five business days in advance to sea.grant@alaska.edu. Participants and organizers of Alaska Sea Grant-sponsored activities are supported by the Alaska Sea Grant event code of conduct.

Business of Fishing workshop - Ketchikan 2025
2025-03-29 09:00 - 16:00 | UAS Ketchikan Maritime Center, 600 Stedman Street, Ketchikan, AK, United States
Alaska Sea Grant’s Business of Fishing workshop is a one-day class offering commercial fishing business training in coastal communities around the state. It is designed for boat owners, permit holders and fishermen looking to upgrade their fishing operations and improve their financial management skills.

The workshop covers a range of topics in business and finance important for fishing operations, including tax strategy and organization, business and financial planning, and risk management.

Developed from the successful Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit business training, the Business of Fishing workshop expands on that program and brings it directly to fishermen in their hometowns.

The workshop will be held in Ketchikan on March 29, at the UAS Ketchikan Maritime Center, Room 132.

Advance registration is required, and lunch is provided. Each class is limited to 20 participants.

Register now

Workshop support provided by AgWest Farm Credit.

Alaska Sea Grant accommodation and code of conduct

Alaska Sea Grant is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in activities, meetings, or events. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least five business days in advance to sea.grant@alaska.edu. Participants and organizers of Alaska Sea Grant-sponsored activities are supported by the Alaska Sea Grant event code of conduct.

Alaska Marine Policy Forum – March 2025
2025-03-19 13:00 - 14:00
Join us for the Alaska Marine Policy Forum, sponsored by Alaska Sea Grant and Alaska Ocean Observing System. Every other month we host a one-hour meeting with participants across the state interested in marine policy in Alaska. Hear the latest about state and federal marine funding, legislation and policy issues.

Next call: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 1 pm AK time (5 pm Eastern, 2 pm Pacific)

Please email Dawn Montano to be added to the announcement list.

If you would like to speak on the call or have ideas for topics, please email Ginny Eckert.

previous forum summaries

Use the button below to register and receive your personalized link to join the Zoom meeting. You will have the option to add this to your calendar.

Register for March Meeting

Our Way of Life workshop
2025-03-18 09:00 - 2025-03-19 16:00 | Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive, Sitka, AK, 99835, United States
The workshop Our Way of Life is part of the project Advancing Understanding of Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Gulf of Alaska Fishing Communities, led by NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center in collaboration with fishing organizations in Cordova, Kodiak, and Sitka. The project is supported by Alaska Sea Grant, Alaska Ocean Observing System, Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and other partners.

The workshop brings together project participants and Tribal organizations, including the Kodiak Area Native Association, Native Village of Eyak, Sitka Tribe of Alaska, and the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. Because fishing is a way of life and vital for Gulf of Alaska residents, these groups are working to synthesize efforts and foster closer collaboration on climate resilience and adaptation planning.

The project Advancing Understanding of Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Gulf of Alaska Fishing Communities addresses the critical need for fishing communities in the Gulf of Alaska to formalize fisheries resilience strategies in adaptation plans. The project focuses on three of the region’s most dependent and diverse fishing communities, Cordova, Kodiak, and Sitka, that also serve as infrastructure, service, and cultural hubs for smaller outlying communities. Through participatory research nested in local and regional fisheries networks, this project will advance an understanding of climate adaptation and resilience for communities engaged in and dependent on fishing for economic, social, and cultural well-being.

REGISTER FOR WORKSHOP

Alaska Sea Grant accommodation and code of conduct

Alaska Sea Grant is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in activities, meetings, or events. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least five business days in advance to sea.grant@alaska.edu. Participants and organizers of Alaska Sea Grant-sponsored activities are supported by the Alaska Sea Grant event code of conduct.

Alaska Seafood Processing Leadership Institute, Spring 2025
2025-03-03 00:00 - 2025-03-07 23:59 | Alaska Sea Grant Anchorage Office, 1007 W 3rd Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Do you have an employee who, with key training, could help lead your business into the future? The Alaska Seafood Processing Leadership Institute (ASPLI) offers 80 hours of intensive professional development for employees recognized as having the potential to move up in your company. The institute is designed for mid-level managers in a seafood plant—production managers, QC supervisors, seafood engineers, human resources, and corporate or administrative personnel identified by their employer as having leadership potential. Others who might benefit include direct marketers, small seafood processors or others closely involved in the seafood industry. ASPLI provides the technical training needed in the seafood industry to master leadership and management skills.

The Spring 2025 session is the second of a two-part program. Session 1 of ASPLI will be held November 4–8, 2024, at the UAF Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, where participants will learn from seafood faculty and local experts. Topics are the science of seafood, shelf life, quality and safety of Alaska’s fishery products, product development, lean manufacturing, new technologies, and seafood marketing. Participants will get hands-on experience in the KSMSC pilot plant, and local seafood plant managers will offer perspectives on the seafood industry and management.

After the Kodiak session, ASPLI participants will return to their jobs and work with an in-house mentor to identify and complete a project that improves plant operations.

The final ASPLI session will convene in Anchorage, March 3–7, 2025, and will focus on leadership training, project management, human resources, regulatory environment, and developing effective management styles. Experienced seafood leaders, government regulators, and management consultants will lead the classes. The goal of this sessions is to develop the confidence, skills, and the big-picture understanding needed by tomorrow’s managers.

See ASPLI sample agenda (PDF; from previous event, subject to revision).

The fee for this program is $2,200 per person. Employers will be responsible for airfare and lodging to and from the training sites. University of Alaska Fairbanks vocational training funds offset a portion of the cost of ASPLI. The full value of this training program is approximately $6,000 per person.

Application information is available on the ASPLI Fall 2024 website.

Questions? Contact:

Quentin Fong, Seafood Marketing Specialist, 907-486-1516, qsfong@alaska.eduChris Sannito, Seafood Technology Specialist, 907-486-1535, csannito@alaska.edu

Alaska Sea Grant accommodation and code of conduct

Alaska Sea Grant is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in activities, meetings, or events. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least five business days in advance to sea.grant@alaska.edu. Participants and organizers of Alaska Sea Grant-sponsored activities are supported by the Alaska Sea Grant event code of conduct.

2025 Mariculture Conference of Alaska
2025-02-18 - 2025-02-20 | Sitka, Alaska, Sitka, United States

Better Process Control School — February 2025
2025-02-05 - 2025-02-07 | Marriott Anchorage Downtown, 820 West 7th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Time: 8am–4pm each day
This three-day class covers acidified foods production and teaches the principles of thermal processing, equipment requirements, container closure evaluation, and record keeping for glass jars and cans. It is designed for retort operators, quality assurance technicians, and home canners, and will be useful for personnel in plants that pack and thermally process low acid foods and acidified foods in hermetically sealed containers. Sanitation principles are discussed in detail.
The course addresses both flexible pouch and traditional can retort operations.
This class satisfies FDA requirements. Class size is limited to 20 participants, and attendees will receive a certificate on successful completion. The registration fee is $510.
Register for the course

Course instructor: Chris Sannito, Seafood Technology Specialist
Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program
Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center

Alaska Sea Grant accommodation and code of conduct
Alaska Sea Grant is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in activities, meetings or events. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least five business days in advance to sea.grant@alaska.edu. Participants and organizers of Alaska Sea Grant-sponsored activities are supported by the Alaska Sea Grant event code of conduct.

Introduction to Starting and Operating a Seafood Direct Marketing Business - February 2025
2025-02-03 - 2025-02-10 | Zoom
Date and time
February 3, 5, 7 and 10, 2025
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (Alaska time)
Online via Zoom

Please note: this workshop has been revised to a 4-day format, and the price has been reduced.

This is a four-session online workshop for those considering or currently involved in direct marketing seafood in Alaska. Topics include regulations, marketing, business planning, and quality. Learn how to start or improve an Alaska direct marketing operation from seafood marketing and quality specialists, regulatory officials, and experienced direct marketers.

The interactive class will be held online via Zoom on the evenings of February 3, 5, 7 and 10. Each 2.5-hour session will begin at 5:30 pm, and will include lecture and discussion.

Before the first session, login instructions will be sent. Prior to each session, registrants will receive class materials. The class will conclude on February 10 with an open discussion with invited direct marketers.
Register for workshop

Alaska Sea Grant accommodation and code of conduct
Alaska Sea Grant is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in activities, meetings, or events. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least five business days in advance to sea.grant@alaska.edu. Participants and organizers of Alaska Sea Grant-sponsored activities are supported by the Alaska Sea Grant event code of conduct.

Seafood HACCP Segment 2 — January 2025
2025-01-24 09:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
Alaska Sea Grant offers Seafood HACCP Segment 2 practical training via online video conferencing, conducted at the specified time with a live instructor.

The class will cover the principles of HACCP and provide the tools and training to create a seafood HACCP plan. Students will need to register for and complete the Segment 1 training online prior to January 24, 2025, through the National Seafood HACCP Alliance for Training and Education. The Segment 1 training has a separate registration and fee.

You can register here for your Segment 2 training, using the button below, prior to completing Segment 1, but be sure to complete the Segment 1 training before the date of this Segment 2 training.

This course meets the requirement for HACCP Segment 2. Participants will attend this HACCP training live, using online video conferencing to complete the practical training session. The training will be conducted January 24, 2025, from 9 am to 4 pm.

All seafood processors in Alaska are required to have an approved Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan. This class prepares the participant to develop this plan. Class size is limited to 20 participants. A basic HACCP certificate issued by the Association of Food and Drug Officials is awarded upon completion of the class.

This workshop is free for Kodiak Island Borough residents, made possible with funding from the Kodiak Island Borough. (Kodiak Island Borough residents use registration code KB25 during checkout.)
Register for HACCP

Course instructor: Chris Sannito, Seafood Technology Specialist
Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program
Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center

Alaska Sea Grant accommodation and code of conduct
Alaska Sea Grant is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in activities, meetings, or events. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least five business days in advance to sea.grant@alaska.edu. Participants and organizers of Alaska Sea Grant-sponsored activities are supported by the Alaska Sea Grant event code of conduct.

Kelp Business Planning and Marketing Workshop—2025
2025-01-21 - 2025-01-24 | Zoom
1:00–3:00 pm Alaska Time, each day
This online workshop will cover the basics of business planning for a kelp farm operation. By the end of the workshop, participants will understand the structure of business planning, be familiar with tools that perform financial feasibility analysis and marketing planning, and gain insights into strategic business decision-making.
Space is limited to the first 20 registrants. Register for this workshop as soon as possible to secure your spot.
REGISTER FOR WORKSHOP

Alaska Sea Grant accommodation and code of conduct
Alaska Sea Grant is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in activities, meetings, or events. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least five business days in advance to sea.grant@alaska.edu. Participants and organizers of Alaska Sea Grant-sponsored activities are supported by the Alaska Sea Grant event code of conduct.

Alaska Marine Policy Forum – January 2025
2025-01-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Join us for the Alaska Marine Policy Forum, sponsored by Alaska Sea Grant and Alaska Ocean Observing System. Every other month we host a one-hour meeting with participants across the state interested in marine policy in Alaska. Hear the latest about state and federal marine funding, legislation and policy issues.

Next call: Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 1 pm AK time (5 pm Eastern, 2 pm Pacific)

Please email Dawn Montano to be added to the announcement list.

If you would like to speak on the call or have ideas for topics, please email Ginny Eckert.

previous forum summaries

Use the button below to register and receive your personalized link to join the Zoom meeting. You will have the option to add this to your calendar.
Register for January Meeting

Introduction to Starting and Operating a Seafood Direct Marketing Business - December 2024
2024-12-02 - 2024-12-11 | Zoom
Date and time
December 2, 4, 6, 9 and 11, 2024
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (Alaska time)
Online via Zoom

This is a five-session online workshop for those considering or currently involved in direct marketing seafood in Alaska. Topics include regulations, marketing, business planning, and quality. Learn how to start or improve an Alaska direct marketing operation from seafood marketing and quality specialists, regulatory officials, and experienced direct marketers.
The interactive class will be held online via Zoom on the evenings of December 2, 4, 6, 9 and 11. Each 2.5-hour session will begin at 5:30 pm, and will include lecture and discussion.
Before the first session, login instructions will be sent. Prior to each session, registrants will receive class materials. The class will conclude on December 11 with an open discussion with invited direct marketers.
Register for workshop

Alaska Sea Grant accommodation and code of conduct
Alaska Sea Grant is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in activities, meetings, or events. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least five business days in advance to sea.grant@alaska.edu. Participants and organizers of Alaska Sea Grant-sponsored activities are supported by the Alaska Sea Grant event code of conduct.

Alaska Marine Policy Forum – November 2024
2024-11-20 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Join us for the Alaska Marine Policy Forum, sponsored by Alaska Sea Grant and Alaska Ocean Observing System. Every other month we host a one-hour meeting with participants across the state interested in marine policy in Alaska. Hear the latest about state and federal marine funding, legislation and policy issues.
Next call: Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 1 pm AK time (5 pm Eastern, 2 pm Pacific)
Please email Dawn Montano to be added to the announcement list.
If you would like to speak on the call or have ideas for topics, please email Ginny Eckert.
previous forum summaries
Use the button below to register and receive your personalized link to join the Zoom meeting. You will have the option to add this to your calendar.
Register for November Meeting

Understanding Vibrio bacteria in shellfish webinar
2024-11-08 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
This webinar will introduce Vibrio bacteria, covering key species, where they are found, and how they grow. We’ll discuss variations in pathogenicity and virulence, focusing on heightened risks for immunocompromised individuals, who are more vulnerable to severe illness or death.
We’ll examine how Vibrio interacts with shellfish, factors affecting retention, and methods for cleansing thermally abused shellfish. An overview of key regulations, including the ISSC, NSSP, and state requirements, will provide insight into compliance.
Finally, the webinar will address strategies for managing the press during outbreaks and protecting market confidence.

Instructor: Bob Rheault
Executive Director
East Coast Shellfish Growers Association

Questions? Please contact Melissa Good.

Alaska Sea Grant accommodation and code of conduct
Alaska Sea Grant is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in activities, meetings or events. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least five business days in advance to sea.grant@alaska.edu. Participants and organizers of Alaska Sea Grant-sponsored activities are supported by the Alaska Sea Grant event code of conduct.

State of Alaska Commercial Fishing Loan Rate Reduction—Information and Q&A
2024-11-06 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Join us for a webinar on recent changes to the commercial fishing revolving loan fund interest rate, featuring a representative from the State of Alaska Division of Investments. Come learn and ask questions about the loan application process.
Use the button below to register and receive your personalized link to join the Zoom meeting. You will have the option to add this to your calendar.
Register for webinar

Alaska Seafood Processing Leadership Institute, Fall 2024
2024-11-04 - 2024-11-08 | Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, 118 Trident Way, Kodiak, AK, 99615, United States
Do you have an employee who, with key training, could help lead your business into the future? The Alaska Seafood Processing Leadership Institute (ASPLI) offers 80 hours of intensive professional development for employees recognized as having the potential to move up in your company. The institute is designed for mid-level managers in a seafood plant—production managers, QC supervisors, seafood engineers, human resources, and corporate or administrative personnel identified by their employer as having leadership potential. Others who might benefit include direct marketers, small seafood processors or others closely involved in the seafood industry. ASPLI provides the technical training needed in the seafood industry to master leadership and management skills.
Session 1 runs November 4–8 at the UAF Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, where participants will learn from seafood faculty and local experts. Topics include the science of seafood, shelf life, quality and safety of Alaska’s fishery products, product development, lean manufacturing, new technologies, and seafood marketing. Participants will get hands-on experience in the KSMSC pilot plant, and local seafood plant managers will offer perspectives on the seafood industry and management.
See ASPLI sample agenda (PDF; from previous event, subject to revision).
After the Kodiak session, ASPLI participants will return to their jobs and work with an in-house mentor to identify and complete a project that improves plant operations.
The final ASPLI session will convene in Anchorage, March 3–7, 2025, focused on leadership training, project management, human resources, regulatory environment, and developing effective management styles. Experienced seafood leaders, government regulators, and management consultants will lead the classes. The goal of this session is to develop the confidence, skills, and big-picture understanding needed by tomorrow’s managers.
The fee for this program is $2,200 per person. Employers will be responsible for airfare and lodging to and from the training sites. University of Alaska Fairbanks vocational training funds offset a portion of the cost of ASPLI. The full value of this training program is approximately $6,000 per person.
Employees of companies that are members of the Alaska Research Consortium will receive a $400 discount towards their ASPLI registration.

Application instructions
If you have an employee who would benefit from ASPLI and you wish to be a sponsor, direct the prospective participant to fill out and submit an online application.
To qualify for this program, the participant must be employed in Alaska (although the company they work for is not required to be based in Alaska) and be able to commit to the full ASPLI schedule:

November 4-8, 2024, in Kodiak
November 2024–March 2025 in-plant project with your mentor
March 3–7, 2025, in Anchorage

Please answer all questions on the application.
Deadline: Applications should be submitted by October 10, 2024. Applications received after this date may be accepted if space is available. You will be notified of acceptance by email within a few working days of your application. Payment will be due by October 18, 2024.

APPLY NOW

Questions? Contact:
Quentin Fong, Seafood Marketing Specialist, 907-486-1516, qsfong@alaska.edu
Chris Sannito, Seafood Technology Specialist, 907-486-1535, csannito@alaska.edu

Alaska Sea Grant accommodation and code of conduct
Alaska Sea Grant is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in activities, meetings, or events. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least five business days in advance to sea.grant@alaska.edu. Participants and organizers of Alaska Sea Grant-sponsored activities are supported by the Alaska Sea Grant event code of conduct.

Seafood HACCP Segment 2 — November 2024
2024-11-01 09:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
Alaska Sea Grant offers Seafood HACCP Segment 2 practical training via online video conferencing, conducted at the specified time with a live instructor.
The class will cover the principles of HACCP and provide the tools and training to create a seafood HACCP plan. Students will need to register for and complete the Segment 1 training online prior to November 1, 2024, through the National Seafood HACCP Alliance for Training and Education. The Segment 1 training has a separate registration and fee.
You can register here for your Segment 2 training, using the button below, prior to completing Segment 1, but be sure to complete the Segment 1 training before the date of this Segment 2 training.
This course meets the requirement for HACCP Segment 2. Participants will attend this HACCP training live, using online video conferencing to complete the practical training session. The training will be conducted November 1, 2024, from 9 am to 4 pm.
All seafood processors in Alaska are required to have an approved Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan. This class prepares the participant to develop this plan. Class size is limited to 20 participants. A basic HACCP certificate issued by the Association of Food and Drug Officials is awarded upon completion of the class.
This workshop is free for Kodiak Island Borough residents, made possible with funding from the Kodiak Island Borough. (Kodiak Island Borough residents use registration code KB24 during checkout.)

Our online registration is temporarily unavailable. Please call our office at (907) 474-7086 or email Alaska Sea Grant to sign up. If you call and leave a message, please specify the event you wish to sign up for, and a return phone number to reach you.

Course instructor: Chris Sannito, Seafood Technology Specialist
Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program
Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center

Alaska Sea Grant accommodation and code of conduct
Alaska Sea Grant is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in activities, meetings, or events. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least five business days in advance to sea.grant@alaska.edu. Participants and organizers of Alaska Sea Grant-sponsored activities are supported by the Alaska Sea Grant event code of conduct.

Meet the new Alaska Sea Grant Shellfish Mariculture Specialist and Fellow
2024-10-17 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Meet the new Alaska Sea Grant Mariculture Specialist and Fellow on October 17, 2024, at 3pm.

Alaska Sea Grant has a growing team that delivers training, research, and extension to support new and existing ocean farmers in Alaska.

This webinar will introduce James Crimp and Rachel French, the new members of the mariculture team, give an update on recent and upcoming events, and then ask for your input on future needs through a short survey and discussion.

We are looking for feedback on potential future training and extension topics that could include but are not limited to:

Harmful algal bloom detection
Modernizing oyster cultivation equipment
Hatchery and nursery systems
New loans and grants for farms
Branding, marketing, and social media
Incorporating tourism into farming

Register now

Ammonia Refrigeration Assistant Operator 2 - 2024
2024-10-14 - 2024-10-18 | Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, 118 Trident Way, Kodiak, AK, 99615, United States
The program focuses on equipment commonly found in Alaskan seafood processing operations, including plate freezers, ice machines, and refrigerated seawater heat exchangers. Workers will be trained for Alaska conditions, including the seasonal nature of the systems and facilities, typical maintenance periods, and running seasonal projects.

Smoked Seafood School — October 2024
2024-10-10 - 2024-10-11 | Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, 118 Trident Way, Kodiak, AK, 99615, United States
The event has been moved up one week, to October 10–11. Contact the event coordinator below with questions or concerns.
9:00 am–4:00 pm Alaska Time, each day
This workshop is for anyone interested in smoking and processing fish, including home fish-smoking enthusiasts, small smokehouse operators, fishermen interested in direct marketing their fish, and commercial operators.
Seafood scientists at the Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center will lead lectures and hands-on activities that include the principles of fish smoking, modern smoke oven operation, safety of smoked products, brining, cold smoking, hot-smoking, salmon jerky production and preparation of fish sausage.
Seminar will include live discussion and presentations from manufacturer representatives of food processing equipment.
Maximum workshop capacity is 20 participants. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion.
This workshop is free for Kodiak Island Borough residents, made possible with funding from the Kodiak Island Borough. (Kodiak Island Borough residents use registration code KB24 during checkout.)

Register for the course

Instructor: Chris Sannito, Seafood Technology Specialist
Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program
Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center
Chris has taught Alaska Seafood School courses in seafood processing and safety since 2015. He helps businesses develop new products, and has worked extensively in quality assurance for seafood processors.

Instructor: John Springer, Northwest Territory Manager
Handtmann, Inc.
John spent more than 11 years working for Enviro-Pak Smokeoven Company, designing innovative and successful smoke generators tailored for the commercial smoking industry, and traveling around the world to teach the mechanics, performance nuances, and artistry of smoking. For over a decade, he has helped educate smoking enthusiasts and professionals at the Alaska Sea Grant Smoked Seafood School.

Alaska Sea Grant accommodation and code of conduct
Alaska Sea Grant is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in activities, meetings, or events. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least five business days in advance to sea.grant@alaska.edu. Participants and organizers of Alaska Sea Grant-sponsored activities are supported by the Alaska Sea Grant event code of conduct.

Alaska Marine Policy Forum – September 2024
2024-09-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Join us for the Alaska Marine Policy Forum, sponsored by Alaska Sea Grant and Alaska Ocean Observing System. Every other month we host a one-hour meeting with participants across the state interested in marine policy in Alaska. Hear the latest about state and federal marine funding, legislation and policy issues.
Next call: Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 1 pm AK time (5 pm Eastern, 2 pm Pacific)
Please email Dawn Montano to be added to the announcement list.
If you would like to speak on the call or have ideas for topics, please email Ginny Eckert.
previous forum summaries
Use the button below to register and receive your personalized link to join the Zoom meeting. You will have the option to add this to your calendar.
Register for September Meeting

Seafood HACCP Segment 2 — September 2024
2024-09-13 09:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
Alaska Sea Grant offers Seafood HACCP Segment 2 practical training via online video conferencing, conducted at the specified time with a live instructor.
The class will cover the principles of HACCP and provide the tools and training to create a seafood HACCP plan. Students will need to register for and complete the Segment 1 training online prior to September 13, 2024, through the National Seafood HACCP Alliance for Training and Education. The Segment 1 training has a separate registration and fee.
You can register here for your Segment 2 training, using the button below, prior to completing Segment 1, but be sure to complete the Segment 1 training before the date of this Segment 2 training.
This course meets the requirement for HACCP Segment 2. Participants will attend this HACCP training live, using online video conferencing to complete the practical training session. The training will be conducted September 13, 2024, from 9 am to 4 pm.
All seafood processors in Alaska are required to have an approved Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan. This class prepares the participant to develop this plan. Class size is limited to 20 participants. A basic HACCP certificate issued by the Association of Food and Drug Officials is awarded upon completion of the class.
This workshop is free for Kodiak Island Borough residents, made possible with funding from the Kodiak Island Borough. (Kodiak Island Borough residents use registration code KB24 during checkout.)

Register for HACCP

Course instructor: Chris Sannito, Seafood Technology Specialist
Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program
Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center

Alaska Sea Grant accommodation and code of conduct
Alaska Sea Grant is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in activities, meetings, or events. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least five business days in advance to sea.grant@alaska.edu. Participants and organizers of Alaska Sea Grant-sponsored activities are supported by the Alaska Sea Grant event code of conduct.

Oyster Industry Knowledge Exchange Tour: Prince of Wales Island and Cordova to Homer, Alaska
2024-07-31 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us for a webinar and Q&A about a recent oyster industry knowledge exchange tour, where farmers from across Alaska came together to share techniques, insights, and knowledge. Oyster farmers from Cordova and Prince of Wales Island will discuss their trip and the valuable lessons they learned visiting oyster operations in Homer.
Join us at 11 am on July 31, with Alaska Sea Grant mariculture technician Arron Jones, and oyster farmers Katie Bode, Jimmy Greeley, Seawan Gehlbach and Eric Wyatt to learn more about their experience.
Webinar registration

Alaska Marine Policy Forum – July 2024
2024-07-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Join us for the Alaska Marine Policy Forum, sponsored by Alaska Sea Grant and Alaska Ocean Observing System. Every other month we host a one-hour meeting with participants across the state interested in marine policy in Alaska. Hear the latest about state and federal marine funding, legislation and policy issues.
Next call: Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 1 pm AK time (5 pm Eastern, 2 pm Pacific)
Please email Dawn Montano to be added to the announcement list.
If you would like to speak on the call or have ideas for topics, please email Ginny Eckert.
previous forum summaries
Use the button below to register and receive your personalized link to join the Zoom meeting. You will have the option to add this to your calendar.
Register for July Meeting

Introduction to Outboard Engine Maintenance and Repair
2024-07-15 - 2024-07-16 | Generations Southeast – Prince of Wales campus, 6565 Boundary Rd, Klawock, AK, 99925, United States
This two-day introductory workshop will teach the basics of outboard engine theory and operation, and instruct on the diagnosis and repair of common problems associated with outboard engines. The workshop will be delivered using a combination of lecture, hands-on demonstrations, and practical exercises.
By the end of this training, students will have a basic knowledge of operation, diagnosis, and repair of outboard engines. Students will also understand the importance of safety, cleanliness, and quality of workmanship.
Register now

Insights from the Scottish seaweed industry tour
2024-07-11 09:00 - 10:00 | Online
Join Alaska Sea Grant and Connecticut Sea Grant for a webinar featuring industry experts from Alaska and Connecticut sharing insights from their recent international seaweed infrastructure tour in Scotland.
Topics

Stabilization and processing methods — learn about UK techniques for stabilizing and processing kelp and their applicability to the US.
Product forms and end-products — discover diverse stabilized seaweed products and their market potential.
British guidelines and standards — understand UK standards for seaweed products and their implications for US farmers.
Food safety guidelines exchange — explore food safety guidelines from the US and UK and potential standardization.
Cost-effective Infrastructure — get practical advice on designing affordable, food-safe stabilization infrastructure.

Tour Highlights

Seaweed Enterprises Processing Facility
Scottish Association for Marine Sciences Seaweed Academy and Nursery
Oceanium in Oban
Southwest Mull and Iona Developments Seaweed Farm
EcoCascade in Kyle of Lochalsh

Resources

A review of the regulatory regime for seaweed harvesting and cultivation (PDF)
Facilitating development of the seaweed cultivation sector in Scotland—February 2022 (PDF)
Introduction to the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association (PDF)

AK On-Board Crewmember Training: Petersburg
2024-06-01 - 2024-06-03 | Petersburg, Alaska, Petersburg, AK, United States
8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Join us to learn beginning crew skills, marine safety, and more, and take advantage of the opportunity to talk with skippers.

The AK On-Board program is a series of regional hands-on training opportunities for beginning commercial fishermen. The program is led by Alaska Sea Grant, Alaska Marine Safety Education Association, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, Alaska Marine Conservation Council, and regional partners to help new crewmembers gain basic crew skills, learn about marine safety, network with prospective employers, and meet other people in the industry. This three-day workshop is regionally focused by our local planning committee and includes a mix of hands-on activities, lectures, discussion panels, and more.

Limited travel support up to $500 is available for rural Southeast Alaska residents. Contact sunny.rice@alaska.edu by May 24 to inquire.
Register for workshop

Alaska Seaweed Handling and Processing Workshop: Kelp Stabilization Demonstration
2024-05-23 09:00 - 16:00 | Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, 118 Trident Way, Kodiak, AK, 99615, United States
Alaska Sea Grant and GreenWave invite kelp farmers, processors and industry members to apply to participate in a free one-day demonstration of primary processing and stabilization technology for raw kelp.
Fresh seaweed degrades rapidly after harvesting, inhibiting farmers and processors from bringing a quality product to market in sufficient quantity. To solve this problem, Alaska Sea Grant, GreenWave, Macro Oceans, Kodiak Archipelago Leadership Institute and Alaska Ocean Farms have partnered to develop an open-source primary processing line capable of stabilizing kelp at ambient temperature as close to the farm as possible. If successful, this technology could be deployed in rural communities across Alaska, allowing remote kelp farms to extend the shelf life of their product and secure access to markets.
The demonstration will cover the design and operation of a processing line built to transform whole, wet, freshly harvested kelp into an intermediate chopped format to allow for easier handling and stabilization via reagents, fermentation or drying. Macro Oceans will provide stabilization reagents to be homogenized with the chopped kelp, and the end product will then be shipped to Macro Oceans’ facility in California to be monitored for stability.
The results from this trial will be made public, and project partners will make the processing line design and operating parameters freely available for the benefit of all Alaskans, particularly rural and Indigenous communities.
Travel funding is available. Priority will be given to Alaska residents, members of rural and Indigenous communities, and active kelp farmers.
Applications must be received by February 29.
For questions, contact Melissa Good.
This demonstration is funded as part of an Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation Joint Innovation Grant. Project partners include Alaska Sea Grant, GreenWave, Macro Oceans, Kodiak Archipelago Leadership Institute, and Alaska Ocean Farms. Read the full project proposal here.
Approved applicants will be notified by March 7.
Go to application
