Alaska shellfish farmers hope a new state mariculture initiative will help boost their businesses. But they warn it’s not an easy industry to expand.
The state began allowing Alaskans to farm shellfish almost 30 years ago.
The resulting farms raise scallops, mussels and several species of clams. In recent years, oysters have gotten more attention.
The state lists about 50 shellfish farmers, though not all are active. Most are in southern Southeast Alaska or Kachemak Bay, near Homer.