Exploring Alaska’s Mariculture Industry

Prince William Sound College was represented at the 5th Annual Alaska Mariculture Conference, where student Brittany Kuzma connected with growers, researchers, and industry leaders from across the state. Brittany attended the conference from March 10–12, taking part in workshops, keynotes, poster sessions, and networking opportunities that gave her a firsthand look at Alaska’s growing mariculture industry.

Brittany will soon be presenting a poster on her soil research—a project she worked on with her instructors. She also supported Erin Oliver and Caitlin McKinstry with their Using Kelp as a Fertilizer in Alaska project, helping to share the results at the conference. These experiences show how hands-on research connects classroom learning to real-world applications.

The conference featured inspiring keynote speakers. Julie Qiu, creator of In a Half Shell and co-founder of Oyster Master Guide, emphasized that success in mariculture goes beyond growing oysters. Marketing, branding, and storytelling are just as important, and Brittany found Julie’s approach to be a great reminder that a high-quality product paired with a strong presentation and story builds trust and engagement.

Vincent Doumeizel, author of The Seaweed Revolution and The Power of Plankton, shared the global potential of seaweed. From feeding sheep in Scotland almost entirely on Kelp to innovative products like biodegradable water capsules and sunglasses frames, his talk highlighted how seaweed can contribute to sustainable solutions, reduce plastic waste, and even support local research efforts—like the University of Alaska Fairbanks Experiential Farm testing kelp as animal feed this summer.

Beyond the speakers, Brittany reconnected with alumni, other students, and professionals she’d met in past internships and workshops. She ran into familiar faces from Sitka, Ketchikan, and UAF programs, tasting oysters from multiple Alaska growers and noticing the subtle differences that make each one unique. It was a reminder of how collaborative and creative Alaska’s mariculture community really is.

PWSC was also represented by Dr. Melissa Uselman, who presented a poster of her own Data Nuggets project, showing the college’s active role in advancing the industry. We will catch up with Dr. Uselman at a later date. Brittany’s experiences—supporting research, networking, and learning from experts—highlight how PWSC students are stepping into Alaska’s blue economy with curiosity, skill, and excitement.

The conference reinforced that Alaska’s mariculture industry is more than an economic opportunity; it’s a space for innovation, sustainability, and community. We can’t wait to see Brittany present her soil research and continue making an impact in this growing field.