February 15, 2022 — The U.S. grows less than one-hundredth of one percent of the world’s $6 billion seaweed market, but Alaska has the goods to grow into a major contributor.
A new report assesses the pros and cons of six communities as locations for seaweed processing facilities to assist companies interested in operating in Alaska. It was compiled by McKinley Research Group for the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, which has played a central role in keeping Alaska seaweed in the resource development spotlight. Many believe the fledgling industry can top revenues of $100 million in little over a decade.
The six study communities were evaluated based on three categories: availability of seaweed supply, costs of doing business, and partnership opportunities.
So far, Kodiak leads all other regions in terms of supply, energy costs, water and sewer costs, resident labor, property taxes and shipping, with Craig and Ketchikan in the Prince of Wales Island region a close second.
Read the full story at the Anchorage Daily News