Alaska’s emerging seaweed mariculture sector requires a skilled workforce that can meet both the technical and research-driven needs of a rapidly growing industry. The Applied Fisheries Program at the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) addresses this need through the Alaska Aquaculture Semester and related coursework, which provide students with hands-on training in hatchery, nursery, and farming techniques, business and marketing, cold-water survival, small vessel operation, and outboard maintenance. Beyond technical skills, the program emphasizes applied research and internships as key components of workforce preparation.
Students participate in industry-relevant research projects that address pressing challenges and opportunities in mariculture. Current projects include integrated multitrophic aquaculture in collaboration with salmon aquaculture operations, the development and refinement of new seaweed species for cultivation, testing innovative outplanting techniques, and gametophyte banking as a strategy for industry resilience. These research experiences are complemented by internships with aquaculture farms, applied research, and community partners, enabling students to apply their skills in real-world contexts while contributing to the advancement of Alaska’s mariculture sector.
By integrating technical training, applied research, and industry partnerships, UAS prepares graduates who are workforce-ready and positioned to contribute as innovators and problem-solvers. This presentation will highlight program design, student research outcomes, and internship collaborations that demonstrate how higher education can play a pivotal role in supporting the sustainable growth of Alaska’s seaweed industry.