Global demand for seaweed is growing rapidly, driven by its potential for a variety of markets, including food, agriculture, cosmetics, and bioproducts. Alaska’s vast coastline, cold nutrient-rich waters, and existing seafood industry and infrastructure create a unique opportunity to expand sustainable seaweed aquaculture at scale. However, early-stage investors and businesses face uncertainties around permitting, infrastructure, processing, and market development that can slow industry growth.
The Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC), a U.S EDA grant program led by Southeast Conference, is implementing a comprehensive strategy to de-risk and catalyze Alaska’s seaweed industry across the value chain. Through targeted funding, technical assistance, and research partnerships, AMC is supporting: infrastructure investments to expand nursery capacity, processing facilities, and farm efficiency; applied research and pilot projects to optimize cultivation methods and assess environmental benefits; access to capital through a revolving loan fund, providing flexible financing to support new entrants and business expansion; market development activities to connect producers with buyers, processors, and investors at regional, national, and global levels.
These initiatives collectively lower barriers to entry and provide the certainty investors and businesses need to scale operations in Alaska’s emerging seaweed sector. With early projects demonstrating strong yields, growing markets, and community engagement, Alaska is positioned to become a leading hub for sustainable macroalgae production in North America.
We invite investors, processors, and value-chain partners to join AMC in building a globally competitive seaweed industry in Alaska—unlocking economic, environmental, and social benefits for decades to come.