A coalition of Alaska organizations and agencies - The Alaska Mariculture Cluster - have won $49 million to grow the state’s mariculture industry over the next five years, the White House announced last week. Mariculture is the farming and enhancement of seaweed and shellfish.

While the industry is still new, proponents say the state has the potential to become a leader in the industry, reports Alaska Public Media.

The cluster was one of 21 recipients of the "Build Back Better Regional Challenge" grant, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The cluster has five years to spend the money.