Aquaculture in Alaska

Shellfish and seaweed farming and salmon hatcheries

Under Alaska state law, aquatic farming is limited to shellfish and seaweeds. The term mariculture refers specifically to the cultivation of marine organisms such as shellfish and seaweeds in a marine environment, distinguishing it from aquaculture, which encompasses all aquatic farming, including anadromous and freshwater species like salmon and trout.

Shellfish farming in Alaska began in the early 1900s when Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) were introduced and seed was planted on beaches in Kachemak Bay and Ketchikan. The industry peaked in 1943 but later declined due to regulatory challenges and the remoteness of farms. In the 1970s, oyster farming resumed in southern Alaska, focused on the raw, half-shell market that continues today.

Seaweed farming is a newer industry. Although wild harvesting of seaweed has occurred in Alaska for centuries, the first commercial kelp farm was established in 2016. The sector has expanded quickly, with production reaching a record 872,000 pounds harvested in 2022.

Both shellfish and seaweed farming were supported by the Alaska Aquatic Farm Act of 1988, which created the framework for permitting and management. Since its passage, the industry has grown from a single permitted farm to more than 90 permitted operations statewide.

Salmon ranching is distinct from aquatic farming. It is conducted by private nonprofit hatcheries that release juvenile salmon into the ocean to enhance natural populations. These programs operate under the management of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and are designed to supplement, not replace, wild stocks.

Marine Advisory Program Support

Alaska Sea Grant’s Marine Advisory Program supports the development of Alaska’s mariculture and salmon enhancement sectors through:

• Training and workshops for seaweed and shellfish farmers.
• Technical assistance with business planning, permitting and farm operations.
• Applied research and demonstration projects on species biology, processing and farm techniques.
• Collaborative projects with hatcheries and other partners to improve understanding of salmon enhancement and ecosystem interactions.
• Outreach and education to increase public understanding of mariculture and salmon ranching activities.

These efforts contribute to Alaska’s sustainable seafood production, workforce development and coastal community resilience.