US Department of Commerce Invests $3.1M to Bolster Kenai Peninsula Mariculture Workforce

The US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.1 million grant to the Chugach Regional Resources Commission in Anchorage to bolster workforce development in the Kenai Peninsula mariculture sector.

Supporting Mariculture

The grant supports expansion of the Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute Patrick (Ratii) Norman facility, helping to create jobs in the marine research and mariculture career fields. The EDA investment will be matched with $1.1 million in local funds and is expected to retain ninety-five jobs and generate $12 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates. 

“We know that American workers fuel our economic competitiveness, and this EDA investment will provide the Kenai Peninsula community with the skills they need to acquire good-paying, quality jobs while also helping to diversify the regional economy,” says US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.  

Alaska’s congressional delegation welcomed Raimondo’s announcement.

“This investment from the EDA will help the Kenai Peninsula harness the full potential of the mariculture industry,” Senator Lisa Murkowski says. “Expanding the facility will not only result in more advanced marine research capabilities, but also will invigorate workforce development efforts and private investment opportunities within the Kenai Peninsula.” 

“As the largest producer of seafood in the nation—roughly 60 percent of American seafood comes from our waters—Alaska is undoubtedly the superpower of seafood for our country,” says Senator Dan Sullivan. “But our oceans provide us with even more opportunities in mariculture for jobs and for economic development. We have tremendous opportunities for sustainable mariculture in Alaska, and I’m pleased that these funds will bolster much needed workforce development to further develop that industry.” 

“Alaskans and our fishing families know how important fish is; it’s a part of our way of life. Investments in mariculture can help us sustainably protect this way of life and our environment while creating new, good-paying jobs,” says Representative Mary Peltola.