Pictured: NOAA Fisheries Alaska Aquaculture Team with juvenile oysters near Kodiak, Alaska.
Photo: NOAA Fisheries
As Alaska’s aquaculture industry continues to grow, NOAA Fisheries has launched a new Information and Education Resource page aimed at supporting farmers, educators, and students across the state.
The new online hub offers a centralized collection of materials for those looking to deepen their understanding of Alaska’s shellfish and seaweed farming sectors, including the State of Alaska Aquaculture Report, launched last year.
“This new webpage offers a range of helpful resources, including general information about Alaska’s aquaculture industry for the public, education resources, guidance on selecting and establishing new farm sites for new and prospective farmers, and information about NOAA Fisheries’ Alaska Aquaculture Opportunity Area process,” said Alicia Bishop, NOAA’s Alaska regional aquaculture coordinator, in a news announcement.
“It has something for everyone, whether you are a prospective farmer, a teacher who wants to grow seaweed in the classroom, or a student who wants to learn about this industry," Bishop added.
In addition to general industry guidance, the webpage links to tools such as the Alaska Aquaculture Permitting Portal, developed with Alaska Sea Grant, to help new entrants navigate regulatory requirements.
A growing library of video content is also available, including NOAA’s latest documentary Do Alaskan Kelp Farms Provide Habitat for Animals? The film, a research collaboration with kelp farmers in Kodiak and Juneau, explores how seaweed farms might function as marine habitats.
The site also contains materials for education professionals. As part of his Sea Grant Fellowship, NOAA communications specialist James Currie developed a "Seaweed in the Classroom" curriculum for grades K–5, complete with a build-your-own aquarium guide.
“This curriculum is designed for elementary school students but it can easily be adapted for middle and high school levels,” said Currie. “By growing different species of seaweed in the classroom, students can learn about the scientific method, aquaculture, and marine biology, as well as the opportunities presented by this promising new industry.”
