Identification of potential Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs) in Alaska relies on a foundation of scientific rigor, stakeholder transparency, and accessible data. This presentation introduces an integrated suite of three digital tools developed to facilitate the development of Alaska AOAs project including initial identification of AOA options, environmental review, final identification, and industry planning after the AOAs are established. final.
The Alaska AOA StoryMap anchors the effort by providing a transparent, narrative account of the science-based, conflict-minimizing approach used to delineate the AOAs, serving as a critical resource for public understanding and stakeholder engagement. Complementing the printed Atlas, the Alaska AOA Digital Atlas is an interactive companion, offering users direct, searchable access to all environmental, regulatory, and modeling data layers used in the AOA spatial planning process. Its primary purpose is to enable detailed understanding of the AOA site selection process, inform environmental review, and to serve as a resource for future planning.
Broadening the scope, the Alaska Aquaculture Explorer is designed for industry users, enabling farmers and managers to explore potential aquaculture locations across Alaska state waters, building upon the digital resources compiled during the AK AOA atlas development. The vision for this powerful tool is to allow users to define custom suitability criteria, including thresholds for depth and distance, to support comprehensive business planning and the identification of areas that meet specific species and gear requirements.
Collectively, these three tools—the StoryMap, the Digital Atlas, and the Aquaculture Explorer—bridge the gap between complex spatial analysis and actionable information, providing a continuous digital pathway that supports sustainable management, regulatory transparency, and the successful advancement of the Alaska aquaculture industry.