Press

On May 10, 2018, Bering Sea Fishermen’s Association (BSFA) received a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to fund the Alaska Ocean Cluster Initiative (AOCI).

A $391,000 federal grant awarded to the Bering Sea Fishermen’s Association will help fund the Alaska Ocean Cluster Initiative, whose goal is to be a key source for learning about opportunities in the state’s fisheries and maritime sector.

Plastics in recycled fishing nets are being used to make an amazing array of products around the globe and Alaska plans to get in on the action. An Alaska Net Hack Challenge is being planned for Sept. 8 and 9.

Over the last four years 20 incubators, accelerators and clusters focused on the Blue Economy and blue technology have formed in North America, bringing the current total to 26. 

If you’re interested in growing an ocean-based business, Seward will soon be home to the Blue Pipeline Start-up Incubator. Join this free workshop, May 12 at 3pm in the Seward Library Community Room to learn more!

Despite its abundance, Alaska seaweed isn’t harvested for commercial use to the extent it can be found on local grocery shelves. That’s potentially a loss for the Alaska economy as projections for the commercial seaweed market are expected to reach $22.13 billion by 2024, according to Global Market Insights.

Alaska’s blue economy leadership potential is tremendous; we maintain over half the nation’s coastline and a third of the U.S. exclusive economic zone with access to vast natural resources.

Picture crustacean DNA that allows crabs the ability to grow a new leg. That chemical makeup, in an innovator’s hands, becomes a product to seal up a human puncture wound. Imagine a band-aid made of it.

With the highest unemployment rate in the country, four consecutive years of declining Gross Domestic Product, and a downgraded credit rating, Alaska’s economy is clearly in trouble. Ocean Tuesday is the first step toward a solution.