Home > Explore News > NCCOS Supports Development of Alaska Mariculture Siting Tool

NCCOS Supports Development of Alaska Mariculture Siting Tool

Published on: 01/24/2018
Region(s) of Study: U.S. States and Territories / Alaska
Primary Contact(s): james.morris@noaa.gov
Scientists check a longline outplanting of sugar kelp at an experimental site near Coghlan Island, Alaska.

Scientists check a longline outplanting of sugar kelp at an experimental site near Coghlan Island, Alaska. Credit: Mike Stekoll, University of Alaska.

NCCOS provided technical support to coastal managers and a team of Alaska scientists who are developing the Alaska Mariculture Map, a planning tool that will inform mariculture expansion inĀ Alaska. The support included an evaluation of the types, sources, and relevance of various spatial data for aquaculture and an overview of best practices for the design of state-level mariculture spatial planning tools.

The Alaska Mariculture Map will provide industry, regulators, and the public with mapping applications and data relevant to siting mariculture industries in Alaska state waters. The project, funded by NOAA Sea Grant, aims to use spatial planning to increase production of farmed shellfish and seaweed; increase profits in Alaska from mariculture; support continued expansion of new and existing sites; and increase public awareness about the economic, cultural, and environmental benefits of mariculture.

Project partners include the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, the Nature Conservancy, Alaska Sea Grant, and the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Community Development Association.

 

 

Explore Similar News

About NCCOS

NCCOS delivers ecosystem science solutions for stewardship of the nationā€™s ocean and coastal resources to sustain thriving coastal communities and economies.

Stay Connected

Sign up for our quarterly newsletter or view our archives.

NCCOS Multimedia

Visit our new NCCOS Multimedia Gallery. 

Follow us on Social

Listen to our Podcast

Check out our new podcast "Coastal Conversations"