Establishing connections between scientists and farmers will enhance the long-term success of the mariculture industry. Listen to personal stories and challenges faced by oyster farmers across the state.
Moderator: Weatherly Bates, Alaska Shellfish Farms
Alaska oyster growers: Farm stories and challenges
—Seawan Gehlbach, Salty Lady Seafood Company; Meta Mesdag, Alaska Shellfish Growers Association; Jacinda Leighton, Hump Island Oyster Company
Why Seagrove chose Oystergro
—Thomas James, Seagrove Kelp
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The 2024 Mariculture Conference of Alaska was held in Anchorage, Alaska, February 26–29, to gather members of the mariculture industry, hear from mariculture experts, and connect with farmers, processors, researchers, community leaders, and other professionals.
The goal of the Mariculture Conference of Alaska is to support the continued development of mariculture in the state by examining accomplishments, challenges and opportunities in research, innovative practices, educational opportunities, and drivers of industry growth.
The conference was supported by Alaska Sea Grant, NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Alaska Mariculture Alliance, Alaska Mariculture Cluster, Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, Alaska Shellfish Growers Association, NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Conference, and World Wildlife Foundation. Financial support was provided by the State of Alaska with economic development funds provided to the University of Alaska and Southeast Conference through a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
