Media
A journey through an incredible ecosystem
In 2024 and 2025, we visited Alaska's major production regions to document the incredible work done by everyone involved in the state's growing mariculture industry. We met producers, growers, processors, sellers, scientists, and ecosystem architects to tell their inspiring stories and showcase the local industry's great growth potential.
The result of our journey is captured in two documentaries introducing the Alaskan Seaweed and Pacific Oyster industry - watch them below.
Alaskan Pacific Oyster Industry Documentary
Alaskan Seaweed Industry Documentary
Alaskan Mariculture: A Lifeline for The Last Frontier - an article series on The Fish Site
During our visits, we met the incredible people who are making the Alaskan Mariculture dream a reality. Here is a small and by no means complete selection of their intriguing stories. Read all about it in the A Lifeline for The Last Frontier series published on The Fish Site
Kachemak Shellfish Growers: sowing the seeds of success
Sean Crosby gives a behind-the-scenes look at the Kachemak Shellfish Growers’ oyster hatchery in Homer, Alaska – an operation that’s helping to fuel the state’s mariculture boom.
The future of Alaska: the Alutiiq Pride perspective
Jeff Hetrick, director of the Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute, a tribally managed marine research facility in Seward, Southeast Alaska, offers insights into the potential offered by the state’s growing mariculture sector, and the pitfalls it needs to overcome.
Kodiak’s kelp farms are set to expand
The kelp farms of Kodiak are now ready to expand, if buyers - and the necessary processing infrastructure to serve them - emerge on time.
Mothers of Millions: how fishers can venture into mariculture
How can fishers dabble in mariculture? Two ladies in Alaska show us how to enjoy the best of both worlds.
How $49 million is revitalising Alaska’s indigenous mariculture
A new $49 million grant aims to reinvigorate the Alaskan mariculture scene, prioritising native and traditionally underserved communities
Building a family oyster farm in Alaska
Greg Bates of Alaska Shellfish Farms recounts how he and his family have managed to grow their oyster business over the course of 17 years.
Can mariculture regenerate the economy and ecology of Prince of Wales Island?
Oyster and kelp farming are offering fresh opportunities for the scattered inhabitants of Prince of Wales Island, and those at the sharp end of the industry believe that mariculture could help to secure a sustainable economic future for Southeast Alaska.
Don’t fret Alaska, kelp is on its way
Kelp culture is still in its infancy in Alaska, but Evie Witten of the Kachemak Kelp Hub has plenty of ideas to unlock the market potential of the world’s fastest-growing seaweed.
Forging the missing link in the Pacific Northwest’s seaweed supply chain
Working with one of North America’s largest seaweed processors on one side, and a range of Alaska’s fledgling seaweed farmers on the other, Mothers of Millions is ensuring that growers have a market, while processors have a reliable supply.
Taking the bull kelp by the horns
Combining scientific curiosity and practical grit, Olivia Duner and Jonny Antoni - with the support of several friends - set up Sea Quester Farms in 2022 in a bid to establish a regenerative aquaculture operation in Bear Creek, near Juneau.
A regal seaweed company in Prince William Sound
Thea Thomas and her partner Cale Hershcleb have blazed a trail for seaweed farming in Prince William Sound, having been operational for four seasons as the Royal Ocean Kelp Co.
Dive in and discover the stories behind the inspiring Alaskan seaweed and oysters farmers and industry partners
Oyster farmers
Seaweed farmers
