In March, our Program Manager for Small Business, Andrew Jylkka, headed up to Anchorage to attend the 5th annual Mariculture Conference of Alaska. There, he met oyster sommeliers, learned about kelp’s potential as a tool for the climate crisis, and connected with new and familiar faces in the region’s mariculture scene.
The conference was an opportunity for folks to hear about the latest in mariculture research, network with experts and peers, discuss industry trends and technologies, and contribute to discussions about this fast-growing field. It was also a chance for Andrew to touch base with our existing mariculture clients and connect folks with the resources that Spruce Root offers to those at all stages of growing their mariculture-related businesses.
We asked Andrew to share some of his main takeaways and helpful resources from the conference. Here’s what advice he has for small businesses in the mariculture industry:
Attend an AOA Rollout Session
- “The Alaska Aquaculture Opportunity Atlas is a tool that identifies locations for potential mariculture operations across Alaska, helping farmers improve their site selection and understand what challenges they may run into at specific locations. NOAA is hosting several rollout sessions – I got to attend one during the conference. The sessions are an excellent time to engage with the creators of the tool, learn how it works, and add your voice to improve functionality. There are two upcoming sessions: one in Juneau on April 15th and another Kodiak on April 17th.”
Find more info and register for a session here
Build Community within the Industry
- “There are many passionate people who are eager to lend and share their knowledge about aquatic farming. Entering into cooperative conversations is an important part of stabilizing the mariculture industry as a whole so that we can tap into this regenerative resource as an economic driver in Alaska. The Alaska Mariculture Alliance is a great place to engage in these conversations and I’d encourage folks to join.”
See Mariculture as a Global Conversation
- “Conversations around this industry aren’t just happening in Alaska; they’re taking place around the world. For example, I had the opportunity to learn more about ocean farming outside our region from Vincent Doumeizel (who is part of the UN Global Compact) during his keynote speech about seaweed. There’s a lot to learn from looking at different contexts of this work.“
Learn more about Doumeizel’s vision of seaweed as a global gamechanger here.
Mariculture Resources:
- Alaska Aquaculture Opportunity Atlas
- Identifies locations for potential mariculture operations across Alaska, based on a NOAA-conducted analysis that takes into account social, environmental, and economic factors
- Oyster Master Guild
- Become a member of this oyster industry network. You can also access free tools and resources on their website
- GreenWave State of the Industry Report
- Read GreenWave’s report on the last ten years of the kelp industry, including developments and recommendations for farmers and mariculture businesses
- Alaska Mariculture Alliance E-Newsletter
- Sign up for the Alaska Mariculture Alliance’s monthly newsletter for updates on Alaska mariculture news, events, and opportunities. Sign up here.
- Alaska Oyster Growers Manual
- This 4th edition of the manual is a resource for new and experienced farmers. It includes recommended culture techniques, explanations of various culture systems, business planning assistance, and a guide to obtaining permits and leases. Read it here.
- Alaska Mariculture Insights Report
- The Alaska Mariculture Insights is an open-source platform created by the Alaska Mariculture Cluster. It compiles information on the supply chain stages across seaweed and oyster production. Find it here.
- AOOS Mariculture Map
- The Mariculture Map is a web-based tool for planning and permitting marine aquaculture projects in Alaska. Find it here.
- Alaska Mariculture Cluster Marketing Program
- The Alaska Mariculture Alliance (AMA) and Southeast Conference (SEC) have launched a robust marketing program to increase awareness, demand, and long-term market opportunities for Alaska’s growing mariculture industry. Learn more here.
Spruce Root Resources:
- We’ve also put together a list of mariculture-related tools, trainings, and resources offered at Spruce Root. You can find it here, along with additional resources on our “Planning Your Business” webpage!
- Through our lending program, Spruce Root provides access to capital for those looking to enter the mariculture industry or grow their operations. Our loans are complemented by our personalized coaching services, which help strengthen and guide businesses through the process. Reach out to Andrew to learn more about lending and business coaching.