This EDA investment supports the alaska mariculture cluster, led by the southeast conference, with boosting the mariculture industry in alaska by catalyzing a sustainable mariculture industry,…

This $10.5 million Project Grant from the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration supports the Alaska Mariculture Cluster's efforts to boost Alaska's mariculture industry. Led by the Southeast Conference, the Cluster will capitalize a revolving loan fund to facilitate business expansion in mariculture. It will also develop mariculture-focused workforce training programs and provide research funding to grow innovative seaweed and shellfish products. In partnership with Sealaska Corporation, an Alaska Native regional corporation, the Cluster aims to center the priorities of tribal, rural, and underserved Alaskan communities. Funded activities are intended to help develop and strengthen regional industry clusters while embracing economic equity, creating good-paying jobs, and enhancing U.S. competitiveness globally. The grant was awarded on September 8, 2022 under the Economic Development Administration's Economic Adjustment Assistance program.

This EDA investment supports the alaska mariculture cluster, led by the southeast conference, with boosting the mariculture industry in alaska by catalyzing a sustainable mariculture industry, producing shellfish and seaweed for the long-term benefit of alaska's economy, environment, and communities. The projects funded as part of this award include the capitalization of a revolving loan fund to facilitate business expansion, the development of mariculture-focused workforce training programs, and the provision of research funding to grow innovative seaweed and shellfish products. The coalition will operate in partnership with sealaska, an alaska native corporation owned by more than 23,000 tlingit, haida, and tsimshian shareholders, ensuring the cluster's approach centers the priorities of tribal, rural, and underserved communities. Once implemented, the investment will help develop and strengthen regional industry clusters - all while embracing economic equity, creating good-paying jobs, and enhancing U.S. Competitiveness globally.