Marine aquaculture—the farming animals and plants in the ocean—is a promising and emerging industry in Alaska. In recent decades, shellfish and seaweed farming in Alaska has grown steadily with an increasing number of applications for new farms and farm site sales. NOAA Fisheries is at the forefront of Alaskan aquaculture industry development. We spearhead research projects and initiatives to support the state's aquaculture operations and provide safe sources of seafood.
As the industry expands, aquaculture is gaining attention in the media, at conferences, and in classrooms. For those interested in learning about Alaska’s aquaculture industry or teaching others, the NOAA Fisheries Alaska Aquaculture Program has launched a new resource.
Alicia Bishop, the NOAA Fisheries Alaska regional aquaculture coordinator, unveiled the Alaska Aquaculture Program’s new Information and Education Resource page.
“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,” Bishop explained. “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.”
Information Resources
Visitors can find NOAA Fisheries’ newest documentary about aquaculture in Alaska, Do Alaskan Kelp Farms Provide Habitat for Animals? This video showcases a project that explores whether seaweed farms in Alaska can provide habitat to local marine species like natural kelp beds serve as an important habitat and hiding place for fish and invertebrates. Researchers from the Alaska Fisheries Science Center partnered with the kelp farming industry in Kodiak and Juneau to conduct this research. All aquaculture videos produced by NOAA’s Alaska Regional Office are now available on the new information and education webpage.
Education Resources
There are also numerous educational resources for teachers and students interested in learning about aquaculture.
James Currie, a communication specialist supporting NOAA Fisheries, led the development of a new seaweed aquarium design for the classroom as part of his Sea Grant Fellowship. The Seaweed in the Classroom curriculum for grades K-5 introduces young learners to the basics of seaweed, including what it is, how it grows, and why it is important.
“This curriculum is designed for elementary school students but it can easily be adapted for middle and high school levels. We also provide instructions for building a seaweed aquarium, so that educators can teach students about growing seaweed in the classroom,” Currie said. “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.”
