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,…

The Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded a $1,207,500 Project Grant to The Southeast Conference on September 8, 2022 under the EDA's Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program (CFDA #11.307). The grant will support the Alaska Mariculture Cluster led by The Southeast Conference in boosting Alaska's mariculture industry by catalyzing a sustainable mariculture sector producing shellfish and seaweed. Key deliverables include capitalizing a revolving loan fund to facilitate business expansion, developing mariculture-focused workforce training programs, and providing research funding to grow innovative seaweed and shellfish products. The Coalition will partner with Sealaska, an Alaska Native Corporation, to ensure the cluster's approach centers the priorities of tribal, rural, and underserved communities. A $XXX sub-award to Food For Climate League, Inc. will support the AMC BBB project. Once implemented, the investment is expected to help develop and strengthen regional industry clusters while embracing economic equity, creating good-paying jobs, and enhancing U.S. competitiveness globally.

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.