Alaska mariculture project in the running for $50 million federal grant

Alaska’s economic development districts are in the running to win $50 million in federal money to grow the state’s seaweed and shellfish farming industry – known collectively as mariculture.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration announced last month that the proposed Alaska mariculture project is among 60 finalists for a Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant. Advocates say the money could help with the state's goal of building a $100 million industry by 2040.

More kelp and oyster farms have been popping up along Alaska’s shorelines in recent years. Mariculture production sales in A...