“Seaweed farming holds tremendous economic potential for Alaska," according to Jim A. Andersen, Director of the Division of Investments for the State of Alaska.
Seagriculture USA.
First launched in 2022 in Portland, Maine, Seagriculture USA has quickly established itself as a premier platform for knowledge exchange in the seaweed industry.
The 2024 edition of Seagriculture USA, taking place in Ketchikan, Alaska from September 11-12, is supported by the State of Alaska’s Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Investments - crucial backing which the conference organizers say is "deeply appreciated...adding significant prestige and resources to the event".
The conference, which also counts the Alaska Mariculture Cluster and the Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce as partners, promises to offer valuable networking opportunities, discussions on industry innovations, and strategies to enhance the global seaweed market.
Alaska’s extensive coastline and pristine waters provide ideal conditions for seaweed cultivation, and the sector has rapidly grown in recent years. The state is home to various commercially viable seaweed species used in industries ranging from food and cosmetics to agriculture.
This makes the state an ideal venue for the global seaweed community to gather and share expertise, according to Jim A. Andersen, Director of the Division of Investments for the State of Alaska.
“Seaweed farming holds tremendous economic potential for Alaska," Andersen said, in a press release announcing the event. "Our businesses and research communities are at the forefront of making it a significant economic driver. The dialogue at Seagriculture USA will propel the industry forward, attracting global partners to invest in our region.”
This year's conference, themed "Exploring New Frontiers," aims to reflect the pioneering efforts of the U.S. seaweed industry, particularly in Alaska. The event invites stakeholders from across sectors to explore new ideas and work together to overcome industry challenges, driving the sector toward sustainable growth.
Beyond the conference sessions, Seagriculture USA 2024 will feature a trade show and networking events, as well as site visits to seaweed farms on September 10, allowing participants to experience the natural beauty of Alaska and learn more about its seaweed farming industry firsthand.
Seagriculture USA is part of a global series of conferences, with additional events planned for Europe and the Asia-Pacific region in 2025.
The most recent of these, Seagriculture EU, took place June 19-20 in the Faroe Islands, bringing together 224 delegates from 25 countries, representing over 123 companies and institutions. You can view WeAreAquaculture's liveblog coverage of Seagriculture EU here.
