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 $9.5 million Economic Development Administration Project Grant supports the Alaska Mariculture Cluster led by the Southeast Conference. The Cluster will boost Alaska's mariculture industry through catalyzing sustainable shellfish and seaweed production. Funding will capitalize a revolving loan fund to facilitate business expansion, develop mariculture-focused workforce training programs, and provide research funding to grow innovative seaweed and shellfish products. The Coalition will partner with Sealaska Corporation, an Alaska Native regional corporation, to ensure the Cluster's approach centers priorities of tribal, rural, and underserved communities. Once implemented, the investment aims to strengthen regional industry clusters while embracing economic equity, creating good-paying jobs, and enhancing U.S. competitiveness globally. Awarded September 8, 2022, the funding falls under the Economic Adjustment Assistance program administered by the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration, which provides technical, planning, and infrastructure assistance to regions experiencing adverse economic changes.

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.