Mariculture, the farming of seaweed and shellfish, has seen significant growth in Alaska since the 1970s. From a few operations, the industry now boasts over 60 farms, each supporting small businesses in coastal communities. Efforts are underway to provide strategic assistance for further growth.
Rachel French, an Alaska Sea Grant State Fellow, is contributing to these efforts by working with Alaska Sea Grant’s mariculture team. Her focus is on addressing the evolving needs of the oyster farming industry. She is involved in revising the Alaska Oyster Growers’ Manual, which was last updated in 2012. The manual will include updates on new equipment and farming practices, offering guidance on business planning, site selection, equipment choices, and best practices. A new chapter on biosecurity will also be added.
“Biosecurity is about ensuring oyster farming operations don’t harm local ecosystems,” explained French. “There are steps that must be taken to transport seed into Alaska, for example, to make sure that disease and nonnative species are not being brought here from out of state.”
French also supports the Alaska Mariculture Research and Training Center and contributes to outreach efforts by Alaska Sea Grant. Her work involves traveling around coastal Alaska to engage with oyster farmers and lead community events. She co-hosted the Alaska Seaweed and Shellfish Festival during the 2025 Mariculture Conference of Alaska.
Her work aligns with her interest in supporting local communities and sustainable marine resource use. Before her fellowship, she earned a master’s degree from the University of Miami, studying whale shark tourism operations in La Paz, Mexico.
“I was drawn to Alaska Sea Grant because of the work they do within local communities and the support they provide for industries such as mariculture,” said French. “I consider myself lucky to be able to work in and explore Alaska.”
More information about the Alaska Sea Grant State Fellowship Program can be found on their website.
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