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 $26.28 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. The Cluster will partner with Sealaska, an Alaska Native regional corporation, to ensure the priorities of tribal, rural, and underserved communities are centered.

Once implemented, this investment through the EDA's Economic Adjustment Assistance program aims to help develop and strengthen regional industry clusters in Alaska. The program provides assistance to regions experiencing adverse economic changes, such as those resulting from sudden or gradual economic impacts. This award on September 12, 2022 seeks to embrace economic equity, create good-paying jobs, and enhance U.S. competitiveness globally by catalyzing a sustainable mariculture industry in Alaska.

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.