Sea Otter Sound Mariculture Data Initiative: Collaborative Monitoring and Innovation in Southeast Alaska’s Mariculture Industry

The Sea Otter Sound Mariculture Data Initiative aims to advance sustainable mariculture practices in Southeast Alaska by conducting bi-weekly and post-extreme weather environmental surveys and site assessments at our lease in Sea Otter Sound. Supported by continuous data collection from a Sofar Spotter Buoy, the initiative will monitor wave conditions and local climate, and map native giant kelp forests using the Mapping Canopy-Forming Kelps guidebook. Key objectives include evaluating site suitability for giant kelp farming, optimizing mooring system placements, and monitoring ocean health and marine mammals, including ESA-listed species. Recognized by USACE and NOAA for its innovative farm design, the project seeks to address regulatory concerns, integrate monitoring findings, and promote ecological stewardship. The findings will be shared with stakeholders to support informed decision-making and foster the growth of the Alaska mariculture industry, which requires new technology to prevent marine mammal entanglement and accommodate year-round farming.

Learn more here.