Marine Plants: Commercial Opportunities in Alaska

Research undertaken in West Coast states and British Columbia suggests the best entry level markets for high quality seaweeds are in North America food markets. These markets could be targeted by future Alaska marine plant businesses selling high-value specialty products. Long term, the experiences gained in domestic markets could then be directed at niche Asian marine plant markets.

Alaska has an excellent reputation as a source of high quality, sustainable seafood with outstanding brand recognition. Building on this international brand, economic opportunities in specialty food markets for Alaska sea vegetables and fertilizer concentrates holds the highest potential for success among entrepreneurs and coastal communities alike. However, before scaled up operations occur, state resource agencies still need to learn more about the number, quantity, and types of commercial marine plants in Alaska, establish total allowable harvest limits for sustainable wild seaweeds, and help to identify financing opportunities to assist an emerging wild aquatic plant and mariculture industry.