Mariculture Research and Restoration Consortium (Mar. ReCon): Sustainable Mariculture Development for Restoration and Economic Benefit in the EVOS Spill Area
Mariculture Research and Restoration Consortium (Mar. ReCon) is a research and monitoring program designed to address the needs of the mariculture industry in the Exxon Valdez oil spill (EVOS) affected area including Prince William Sound, Kachemak Bay, and Kodiak Island.
This project aims to quantify the extent to which habitat restoration and habitat enhancement occur via mariculture activities, and amplify the economic development potential of mariculture by supporting capacity building and growth in the mariculture industry in the EVOS affected area. Project components include restoration (address the ecological effects of the mariculture industry in the spill area), farm and business operations, and outreach (coordinated outreach and education activities to make current scientific information and activities publicly accessible and serve ongoing, community identified needs).
Principal Investigators (Topic Lead) / Project Partners :
- Katrina Hoffman (Administrative), Prince William Sound Science Center
- Hannah Wilson (Industry), Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation
- Ginny Eckert (Science), Alaska Sea Grant
- John Whissel (Community), Native Village of Eyak
- Axiom Data Science
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Alaska Fisheries Science Center
- University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Local Shellfish/Seaweed Farmers
Project Term: 2022 – 2026
Funding: $26,375,000, Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council