Alaska Sea Grant

Foundations of Kelp Farming: a hands-on workshop intensive
2023-03-21 - 2023-03-24 | Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, 118 Trident Way, Kodiak, AK, 99615, United States
Time: 9am–5pm each day
Originally scheduled for the week prior, the new dates for this workshop are March 21–24.
This is a hands-on workshop for learning how to start an aquatic farm in Alaska. Topics covered will include identification of seaweed species, life cycles of seaweed, the hatchery process, site evaluation, use of the Mariculture Map, farm gear and equipment, business plan development, available farm loans, the state lease application process, gear deployment, seeding and harvesting techniques, quality handling, and safety. Applications will be required to attend, and scholarships may be available.
Materials for activities will be provided and lunches are included. Space is limited to 10 participants and participants will be selected based upon applicant review. All interested persons must submit an application by January 27, 2023.
Approved applicants will be notified by February 3, and must pay the tuition by March 1 to reserve their spots.
Go to application

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 — March 2023
2023-03-24 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Anchorage) | 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 March 22, 2023 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, just be sure to complete the Segment 1 training before March 22, 2023.
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 March 24, 2023, 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.
Register for HACCP

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

Listening session in support of outdoor tourism
2023-03-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Alaska Sea Grant is expanding efforts to support naturalist and interpretive businesses, organizations, guides, and communities involved in outdoor tourism. In order to focus those efforts into creating something truly practical and useful, we need your input.
To help support this industry, we are seeking your perspective on trends, needs, challenges, and successes in providing high quality interpretive guided experiences to visitors.
Alaska Sea Grant education specialist Leigh Lubin will host a listening session via Zoom. Leigh is a seasoned Alaskan guide and an Alaska certified science teacher utilizing Alaska Sea Grant resources to build programing and support models for the Alaskan naturalist and interpretive community.
Register now
Alaska Sea Grant enhances the sustainable use and conservation of Alaska’s marine coastal and watershed resources through research, education and outreach. Alaska Sea Grant produces popular field guides such as Guide to Marine Mammals of Alaska, provides helpful programs and resources for Alaska business, such as the FishBiz website, Alaska Aquaculture Permitting Portal, and the Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit, and helped found the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA). This listening session is to shape how Alaska Sea Grant can support your business and career.

15th Western Alaska Interdisciplinary Science Conference
2023-04-05 - 2023-04-06 | Dillingham, Alaska, Dillingham, AK, 99576, United States
The 15th annual Western Alaska Interdisciplinary Science Conference (WAISC) will bring together people invested in the ways of life and issues important to rural communities in Western Alaska, including economic, ecological, social, and health. We do this through sharing of observations and scientific research, including from Indigenous and local knowledge.

Mariculture Q&A: State and federal aquatic farm applications
2023-04-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Do you want to start an aquatic farm in Alaska? Do you have plans to submit a joint agency aquatic farm application and have questions?
Join state and federal regulatory agency staff and Alaska Sea Grant for an open online forum to ask questions and receive guidance about aquatic farm site leasing and permitting in Alaska. Representatives from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, NOAA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Alaska Sea Grant will be available to answer your questions.
Joining us will be:

Alicia Bishop, NOAA Alaska Region Aquaculture Coordinator
Carol Brady, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Roberta Brudnik, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Karen Cougan, Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Sabrina Farmer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Michelle Morris, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Good.
The Q&A will be held on Zoom.
Register now

People on the Move in a Changing Climate
2023-04-11 - 2023-04-12 | Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center, 600 W 7th Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), People on the Move in a Changing Climate (PEMOCC) is a Sea Grant-led Research Coordination Network that fosters collaboration among diverse experts and stakeholders to address research needs related to climate-induced human mobility, its socioeconomic consequences, and its role in building resilience and adaptation to the impacts of climate change in US coastal and Great Lakes regions.
Despite increased reference to the link between climate change and human mobility, which includes displacement, migration and planned relocation, there is a lack of knowledge on how socioeconomic, cultural, political, and environmental processes impact these population shifts. PEMOCC leverages Sea Grant’s trusted relationships with local communities to facilitate transdisciplinary collaborations among researchers, practitioners, resource managers and coastal stakeholders to improve understanding of how climate change drives human populations both towards and away from coastal regions in the U.S.
This workshop in Anchorage is the final workshop in a series of workshops held across the U.S. This workshop will focus on Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and Pacific Island regions, and provide case studies of climate induced human mobility across the world. This includes both areas where coastal residents are moving away from the coasts, and those areas where we might see receiving communities.
Agenda
The agenda is now available (April 6, 2023.)

Walking map of Downtown Anchorage

Travel assistance
Travel assistance is no longer available.
Register now

Meeting lead: Davin Holen, Coastal Community Resilience Specialist
Alaska Sea Grant and Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy

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 Seaweed Handling and Processing Workshop 2023
2023-04-19 - 2023-04-21 | Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, 118 Trident Way, Kodiak, AK, 99615, United States
This hands-on workshop will help Alaskan individuals and companies better understand what’s involved in becoming a seaweed processor. Topics covered will include those in the Seaweed Handling and Processing: Guidelines for Alaska, as well as additional topics. Applications will be required to attend, and scholarships may be available.
Materials for activities will be provided and lunches are included. Space is limited to 20 participants and participants will be selected based upon applicant review. All interested persons must submit an application by March 3.
Approved applicants will be notified by March 10, and must pay the tuition by April 1 to reserve their spots.
Go to application

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 – April 2023
2023-04-19 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, April 19, 2023, 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 April Meeting

Invasive Green Crab Workshop
2023-04-23 12:00 - 2023-04-24 15:00 | Cape Fox Lodge, 800 Venetia Avenue, Ketchikan, AK, 99901, United States
Workshop agenda with links to select presentations
This is a hands-on 1 ½ day training in Ketchikan and Metlakatla on European green crab in southern southeast Alaska. Residents, Tribes and community members will learn about monitoring techniques and how to help address these invasive crab in their local areas.
Registration ends after April 6, but space is limited and may reach capacity earlier. Contact Sunny Rice for details about attending.

Sanitation Control Procedures for Seafood Processors — 2023
2023-04-28 08:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
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.
Register for workshop

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

Smoked Seafood School — May 2023 — Kodiak
2023-05-04 - 2023-05-05 | Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, 118 Trident Way, Kodiak, AK, 99615, United States
9:00 am–4:00 pm Alaska Time, each day
This workshop is for Kodiak Island Borough residents 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.
The class is limited to 20 participants. The workshop is $310, free for Kodiak Island Borough residents, made possible with funding from the Kodiak Island Borough.
(Kodiak Island Borough residents use code KB23 during checkout.)
Register for the course

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

Alaska Marine Policy Forum – June 2023
2023-06-21 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, June 21, 2023, 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 June Meeting

Korea, Kelp and Karaoke — an industry tour webinar
2023-06-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Learn about seaweed farming practices in South Korea and how we can apply the knowledge gained to support the seaweed industry here in Alaska.
Joining us were:

Julie Decker, Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation
Nick Mangini, Kodiak Island Sustainable Seaweed
Markos Scheer, Seagrove Kelp

Download the presentation slides (PDF)

Seaweed drying forum: Meeting Alaska’s drying capacity needs
2023-07-28 09:00 - 12:10 | Zoom
As capacity increases within Alaska’s mariculture industry to meet benchmarks for growth, the state is becoming better equipped to tackle remaining industry-wide roadblocks. One such challenge is local seaweed processing capacity and know-how. Industry entrepreneurs and workers have questions about logistics and transport, technology, capacity, and community needs.
To talk through some of these issues, Alaska Sea Grant, Alaska Mariculture Alliance, and Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation are hosting an online discussion on seaweed drying. Please join us at 9:00 am on July 28 to hear from industry experts on seaweed drying equipment, processing and markets, community capacity and needs, and how seaweed processing can be supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration Build Back Better project. Panels will be followed by Q&A.
If you are interested in learning more about processing seaweed in Alaska, we would love to see you at this online event.
Agenda — Seaweed drying forum
You can view the recordings here, or choose the option to watch on YouTube to access links to individual presentations.

Alaska Marine Policy Forum — August 2023
2023-08-16 13:00 - 14:00 | AK
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, August 16, 2023, 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 August Meeting

Seafood HACCP Segment 2 — September 2023
2023-09-15 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, 2023 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, just be sure to complete the Segment 1 training before September 13, 2023.
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 15, 2023, 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.
Register for HACCP

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

Ammonia Refrigeration Assistant Operator 1 - 2023 session 1
2023-10-02 - 2023-10-06 | 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.

Ammonia Refrigeration Assistant Operator 1 – 2023 session 2
2023-10-09 - 2023-10-13 | Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, 118 Trident Way, Kodiak, AK, 99615, United States

Alaska Marine Policy Forum — October 2023
2023-10-18 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, October 18, 2023, 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 October Meeting

Smoked Seafood School — October 2023
2023-10-26 - 2023-10-27 | Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, 118 Trident Way, Kodiak, AK, 99615, United States
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.
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.

Beginning kelp farmer business planning, marketing and processing
2023-10-30 - 2023-10-31 | Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, 118 Trident Way, Kodiak, AK, 99615, United States
Alaska Sea Grant, in partnership with the Kodiak Archipelago Leadership Institute and Alaska Ocean Farms, is hosting an in-person workshop October 30 and 31 at the Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center.
During this two-day workshop we will focus on kelp farms currently permitted or pending in the Kodiak archipelago, with maps that show location and ownership. This information will support a regional strategy session on increasing the number of kelp farm permits issued to rural and Alaska native residents in the region.
The first day of the workshop will cover kelp farm capital and operating costs to assist in developing a start-up and operating budget. This information will be used to demonstrate how to calculate your farm’s break-even price-per-pound. Information will also be provided on potential access to capital opportunities.
The second day will concentrate on marketing and processing, with an overview of processing methods currently being used in Alaska, and some fun hands-on learning stations in the afternoon.
We encourage both Tribal and Alaska Native Corporation leadership to participate alongside the Kodiak region’s beginning rural and Alaska Native kelp farmers. The more we learn together as leaders and farmers the more we can continue to build our regional community around kelp.
Materials for activities will be provided and lunches included. Space is limited to 20 participants, selected based upon applicant review. Scholarships are available upon request.
All interested persons requesting travel assistance must submit a brief application by October 11. If you are not applying for travel assistance, your application must be received by October 16.
If you have questions about the workshop, travel assistance, or the application, please contact Melissa Good.
Apply now

Alaska Mariculture Incentive Grant Program - Access to capital for mariculture businesses
2023-11-16 12:00 - 12:45 | Zoom
Alaska Sea Grant is hosting a webinar series for mariculture farmers, nursery and hatchery operators as well as processors in Alaska on accessing capital for starting and expanding mariculture operations. This series focuses on mariculture business development programs and resources, including grants and low-interest loans.
During this webinar, Jason Lessard from the Alaska Mariculture Alliance will discuss the Alaska Mariculture Incentive Grant program and answer your questions.
This is the final webinar in the series, postponed from February.
Register now

Watch recorded webinars
Visit the access to capital for mariculture businesses website to watch past webinars.
(This webinar will be recorded and posted to the website.)

Seafood HACCP Segment 2 — November 2023
2023-11-17 09:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
This event, originally scheduled for November 10, has been rescheduled to November 17.
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 15, 2023 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, just be sure to complete the Segment 1 training before November 15, 2023.
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 17, 2023, 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.
Register for HACCP

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

2023 Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit
2023-12-05 - 2023-12-07 | Marriott Anchorage Downtown, 820 West 7th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
The 2023 AYFS agenda containing links to the presentations given during the summit is available.

The Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program presents the tenth Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit. AYFS is designed to provide training, information and networking opportunities for commercial fishermen early in their careers.

The summit will focus on building leadership and networking capacity in the Alaska commercial fishing industry through three days of intensive training. The fast-paced program features industry leaders providing insights on fishing business management, the fisheries management process, and the role of Alaska seafood in the global marketplace. This year, we will take advantage of the fact that the summit will coincide with the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council meeting in Anchorage.

Contact us to receive AYFS email announcements.
Registration fees
A $100 discount off the full registration fee of $200 ($225 after November 17, 2023) is available if you are an Alaska commercial fisherman, thanks to support from Alaska Sea Grant and our summit sponsors. If you are an Alaska commercial fisherman, enter the registration code ALASKAFISH to have your discount applied.
Travel scholarships
As an AYFS attendee, you are responsible for your own travel to the event. We encourage you to coordinate with your fishing friends to share costs and contact your fishing associations for potential support. Alaska Sea Grant has limited travel scholarships available by application. Complete the AYFS Travel Scholarship Application by November 9 to be considered.

If you have questions regarding registration or travel scholarships, contact Julie Matweyou.
Lodging
You are in charge of your own lodging arrangements. A discounted room block is available at the event hotel, the Marriott Anchorage Downtown, for $189 per night. This rate is available for nights between December 1–10, but must be booked by Monday, November 27.

Book your discounted event rate at the Marriott Hotel

The Hotel Captain Cook is also offering discounted rates. To inquire about rates and availability, please call their reservation desk at 907-276-6000 and reference the Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit.
Agenda
Draft agenda (as of Nov. 28, 2023)

Take a look at the 2023 AYFS program (pdf).

Register now

Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor Class — December 8th
Special opportunity for AYFS participants!

AMSEA is offering a Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor class in Anchorage on December 8, in conjunction with AYFS. This course is free for AYFS-participating commercial fishermen, thanks to support from Alaska DCCED, NIOSH, the U.S. Coast Guard and AMSEA members. AYFS participants will receive a discount code for this training when they register for AYFS. Contact us for more details.

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 — December 2023
2023-12-06 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, December 6, 2023, 1 pm AK time (5 pm Eastern, 2 pm Pacific)
Please note date change to the first Wednesday this month.
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 December Meeting

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.

Fellowship Q&A: prospective fellows webinar
2024-01-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Join us for an informational webinar and Q&A to learn more about career development opportunities in marine policy and science.
The Alaska Sea Grant State Fellowship and Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship provide 12-month professional opportunities for soon-to-graduate or recently finished graduate students interested in marine resource science and policy. Join us for an information session with Alaska Sea Grant Associate Director Molly Cain and current fellows to learn more about their experiences and how to apply for these opportunities.
Alaska Sea Grant State Fellows work in Alaska with Alaska-based organizations or agencies on a wide variety of coastal and marine science, policy, and management issues. Current fellow Jake Cohen will share his experiences working with Alaska Sea Grant and the Kodiak Area Native Association.
Knauss Fellows spend a year in Washington, D.C., working with hosts in the executive or legislative branches of federal government on substantive national policy issues related to aquatic resources. Current fellow Lindsey Stadler will share her experiences working in the NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources.
The webinar will include an overview of both programs as well as a conversation to answer questions from prospective applicants.
Register for webinar

Application deadlines
February 8 — Alaska Sea Grant State Fellowship
February 15 — Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship

Alaska Marine Policy Forum – January 2024
2024-01-24 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 24, 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

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.

Exploring Ocean Farmer Co-ops
2024-01-25 10:00 - 23:00 | Zoom
A round table for new and established seaweed farmers
Whether you’re a seasoned co-op member, considering joining one, or just curious about the concept, this webinar is your opportunity to connect with fellow farmers and gain valuable insights.
Hosted by Alaska Sea Grant and Woods Hole Sea Grant as part of the National Seaweed Hub initiative, and in collaboration with GreenWave, this one hour round-table discussion is a follow-up to the December GreenWave Farmer Forum event on cooperatives, and is designed especially for farmers new to cooperatives. Attendance at the previous Farmer Forum is not required.
Event highlights
Round-table discussion: Engage in a candid conversation with farmers from various regions to discuss the successes and challenges faced by farmer co-ops. Share your own experiences and learn from others in this collaborative environment.
Learning from diverse perspectives: Discover what has and hasn’t worked for co-ops in several areas of the country. Gain valuable insights into the unique approaches and strategies employed by farmers, fostering a richer understanding of cooperative dynamics.
Brainstorming session: Bring your questions, ideas and curiosity to the table. Whether you’re already part of a co-op, interested in joining one, or simply exploring the possibilities, this is the perfect opportunity to brainstorm and cultivate new concepts.
Follow-up to Farmer Forum: Building on the discussions from the previous Farmer Forum, this session aims to continue the conversation, providing a platform for deeper insights and practical takeaways.
Who should attend?

farmers currently involved in a co-op
those interested in joining a co-op
farmers curious about the cooperative model

Come share your experiences, make connections, and help cultivate a thriving community of farmers, while we explore the potential of co-ops.
Register for webinar

Seafood HACCP Segment 2 — January 2024
2024-01-26 09:00 - 16:00 | Online
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 26, 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 January 26, 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.
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.

Introduction to Starting and Operating a Seafood Direct Marketing Business - January 2024
2024-01-29 - 2024-02-07 | Zoom
Date and time
January 29, 31, and February 2, 5, 7, 2024
5:30 pm Alaska
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. Lecturers include seafood marketing and quality specialists, regulatory officials, and experienced direct marketers.
The interactive class will be held online via Zoom on the evenings of January 29 and 31, and February 2, 5, and 7. Each 3-hour session will begin at 5:30 pm, and will include lecture and discussion.
Prior to each session, registrants will receive class materials and login instructions. The class will conclude on February 7 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.
