THE ALASKA MARICULTURE INITIATIVE:  CREATION OF A STRATEGIC PLAN TO GROW A $1 BILLION INDUSTRY IN 30 YEARS

The potential economic impact of a fully developed mariculture industry in Alaska is not well understood by industry or policy makers. It is also not entirely clear what is needed to move from Alaska's current micro industry (less than $1 million in annual sales) to a fully developed industry.  In general, the existing seafood industry (harvesters and processors) does not consider themselves to be potential beneficiaries of mariculture development.  

Given these challenges and many more, the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) is spearheading the Alaska Mariculture Initiative (Initiative) with the vision to grow a $1 billion industry in 30 years.  The Initiative is funded with a grant from NOAA.  The Initiative is focused on:  1) expanding the stakeholder based and developing the partnerships necessary to develop the industry; 2) conduct a three-phase economic analysis of successful mariculture industries in other regions and how they relate to Alaska; 3) complete a strategic planning process inclusive of a broad spectrum of stakeholders and agencies.

This presentation will focus on the results of the second phase of the economic analysis, as well as the progress of the strategic planning process which is being coordinated in conjunction with the Governor's Mariculture Task Force.