The expansion of Alaska’s seaweed aquaculture sector depends on both technical skills and the ability to effectively teach others. This Training of the Trainers workshop combined hands-on instruction in kelp farm deployment, maintenance, and harvest with practical strategies on how people learn. By integrating operational practice with easily applied learning principles, participants gained the capacity to return to their communities not only as farmers, but as trainers prepared to share knowledge in clear and effective ways.
Priority was given to Alaska residents, Indigenous and rural communities, and active kelp farmers, with travel and lodging support provided to reduce barriers. Participation was limited to eight, allowing for intensive guidance and practice. This approach builds a sustainable workforce pipeline by equipping a diverse group of trainers who can expand aquaculture knowledge, strengthen local economies, and foster community-driven growth in Alaska’s emerging kelp industry.