Mariculture Research and Restoration Consortium (MarReCon)

Jan 18, 2023

Species: Seaweed, Shellfish
Lead Organizers: Prince William Sound Science Center
Location: Southcentral, Southwest

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).

For more information, click here to be taken to the Prince William Sound Science Center’s webpage. 

Principal Investigator / Partners:

Katrina Hoffman (Administrative), Prince William Sound Science Center
Alex Huller (Industry), Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation
Ginny Eckert (Science), Alaska Sea Grant
Caitlin McKinstry (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
Contact Email: khoffman@pwssc.org | ahuller@afdf.org | gleckert@alaska.edu | caitlin.mckinstry@eyak-nsn.gov