Seaweed Farming in Alaska

Why seaweed farming is of interest in Alaska

Although the people of Alaska have been using seaweed as a food staple for centuries,seaweed farming is only recently attracting interest in the state. Globally, demand forseaweed has soared over the past 50 years, far outstripping wild supply, according to theUnited Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Mariculture (the ocean farming offood) produces more than 96 percent of the world’s supply of seaweed products, currentlyvalued at $4-5 billion. Alaskans are starting to pay attention.Alaska’s potential for cultivation of kelp and other seaweeds is high, given its vast naturalmarine habitat with pristine water quality. Kelp, a large brown, cold-water seaweed, isthe primary focus. Seaweed culture is a logical business addition to established shellfishfarms since most utilize floating raft culture and are located on sites favorable to seaweedcultivation. Since the growth cycle of seaweed is fall to spring, it is compatible with otherseasonal occupations such as summer fisheries.Seaweeds contain important nutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals, traceelements, and enzymes. Growing awareness of the medical benefits that seaweedprovides is boosting demand for seaweed-derived snacks and other creative uses infood products for human consumption. Increasing demand for seaweeds in the food,pharmaceutical, and animal feed industries will likely expand markets in years to come