Mariculture could be the next big job and economic booster for remote Alaska regions, with 33,000 miles of coastline. The Oceans Alaska Marine Science Center at Ketchikan aims to be the state's go-to place for mariculture research and development for farmers wanting to grow oysters, mussels, scallops, seaweeds and pricey geoduck clams.
Armed with a $99,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the center will provide training for small and emerging growers, both on farm sites and at the floating center soon to be anchored at George Inlet.
"There are many different components for those starting out or trying to expand, and people are looking to Oceans Alaska to provide hands-on training, business training, the biological side of it," said David Mitchel, center director. "It is more comprehensive than just a simple apprentice training program where you put people out on a farm."
There are 75 permitted shellfish farms in Alaska, up from 69 in 2009, with 27 making sales so far — 15 in Southcentral and 12 in Southeast. The main crop is oysters, with sales valued at $417,000 last year. Most of that was produced by the 13 farmers of the Kachemak Shellfish Growers Cooperative, with sales of $300,000.
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