Alaska Mariculture Initiative

Alaska Mariculture Initiative Stakeholders & AgenciesAKCRRAB

1)Summarize AMI 2)Review activities in )Next steps in 2016 Alaska Mariculture Initiative (AMI): Creation of a strategic plan to grow a $1 billion industry in 30 years

Unrealized Potential in Mariculture Industry

Why has mariculture not taken in Alaska (to date)? Negative public perception of aquaculture due to: Economic issues Environmental concerns Lack of recognition of benefits to existing seafood industry Lack of profitable business model in Alaska Small size of industry/# of farmers Lack of advocacy & coordination by farmers Lack of coordinated planning by government agencies & industry

Alaska Mariculture Initiative What is AMI? A project to expedite the development of mariculture in Alaska. Vision: Grow a $1 billion industry in 30 years. Work funded by a NOAA grant through June 30, 2016.

What does mariculture mean in Alaska? Enhancement (public, private) Farming (private) Restoration (public) Mariculture species in Alaska = (local shellfish + invertebrates + aquatic plants) + Pacific oysters MARICULTUREFINFISH FARMING

Alaska Salmon Enhancement Program.

Alaska’s Established Seafood Industry $2-3 billion annual ex-vessel value of industry $4-6 billion annual first wholesale value >50% of the U.S. seafood harvest >8,000 licensed commercial fishing vessels, from 20’ to 600’ >100 seafood processing plants, worth >$1 billion 70,000 jobs - largest private-sector employer If a AK was a country, it would be #6 in the world for seafood production

Alaska Mariculture Initiative Economic Analysis to Inform the AMI Phase I - COMPLETED: Comparative case studies (9) which outline examples of successful mariculture industries in different regions of the world (see AFDF website) Phase 2: Given the results of Phase I, develop a model or framework to support & inform the development of Alaska’s statewide strategic plan Phase 3: Given implementation, analyzes the costs, benefits & economic impact of a final statewide strategic plan developed as part of the AMI

Alaska Mariculture Initiative- Keeping forward momentum: 1)Alaska Dept. of Commerce: Alaska Shellfish Farmsize Feasibility Study (see AFDF website) 2)Governor introduced HB 300 / SB 172 3)Alaska Sea Grant project – diversify into seaweeds & rock scallops 4)OceansAlaska financing stabilized through Borough loan 5)Mariculture Revolving Loan Fund - increased # of new loans 6)AK shellfish farming production exceeds $1M! 7)Continued outreach & growing support for AMI

Good News! Governor Walker’s Alaska Mariculture Task Force By Administrative Order… “I, Bill Walker, Governor of the State of Alaska, under the authority of Article. III, Sections 1 and 24 of the Constitution of the State of Alaska, and in accordance with AS (c), establish the Alaska Mariculture Task Force…”

Alaska Mariculture Task Force - Purpose & Timeline Purpose: To provide recommendations to develop a viable and sustainable mariculture industry producing shellfish and aquatic plants for the long-term benefit of Alaska’s economy, environment, and communities. Timeline: The task force shall present recommendations for a final comprehensive plan for the development of Alaska’s mariculture industry to the Governor by March 1, 2018.

Alaska Mariculture Task Force - Composition Eleven Task Force Members: 1)Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game 2)Alaska Dept. of Commerce 3)University of Alaska 4)Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program 5)Seven Stakeholders, which may include expertise in: Aquatic farmers Seafood harvesting Seafood processing Nonprofit hatcheries Community sustainability Alaska Native corporations Community Development Quota groups Tribal governments Seafood marketing Barbara Blake will remain the liaison to the Governor & Lt. Governor’s offices.

Alaska Mariculture Initiative Next Steps in 2016 Governor appoints Mariculture Task Force members Identify & appoint Advisory Committees to Task Force Hold quarterly meetings with Mariculture Task Force Hold more frequent meetings of Advisory Committees to flesh out essential elements of comprehensive Integrate Phase 2 economic analysis with Mariculture Task Force input Continue outreach to stakeholders