Kodiak Ocean Growers Cooperative: Sustainable Kelp from Alaska
Our Mission
Kodiak Ocean Growers Cooperative serves to unify and connect ocean farmers of the Kodiak archipelago. This alliance works to promote sustainable, ethical ocean farming practices, stability within the industry, collective resource and information sharing, community and regional advocacy, and supports the growth of each farm/farmer as an individual.
Join the Kodiak Ocean Growers Cooperative
Kodiak Ocean Growers is accepting new members. Membership is open to permitted seaweed farmers in Kodiak AK at this time. Please review our membership guide for more details.
Why Kodiak
Natural Advantages
The Kodiak archipelago is made of 25 islands. At 100 miles long and 60 miles wide, Kodiak Island is the largest of these. The coastline of Kodiak alone is over 1300 linear miles.
Kodiak has vast amounts of shallow water, making ocean farming accessible. Ample ice free bays in the winter adds to why the Kodiak region is key for Alaska’s mariculture industry.
Nutrient Rich Waters
Kodiak has very strong nutrient upwelling from the Gulf of Alaska. This contributes to very healthy natural kelp beds around the island.
The upwelling of nutrients has demonstrated notable growth rates in our cultivated kelp farms and size of our cultivated oysters.
Kelp Farming Experience
Two of Alaska’s first kelp farms are in Kodiak, home to the state’s most experienced kelp farmers. Since 2016, the founders of Kodiak Ocean Growers have helped shape Alaska’s mariculture industry and are committed to sharing what they’ve learned.
Uniquely Suited for Mariculture
In addition to our renewable energy, Kodiak has the needed infrastructure, in the form of vessels and skilled workers, to grow the entire industry quickly.
1. Cultivate
Kodiak has demonstrated the ability to cultivate four species of kelp and is home to Alaska’s most experienced kelp farmers.
2. Harvest
Kodiak has a skilled workforce with deep experience working on the water and in ocean-based industries.
3. Deliver
- Kodiak is home to the largest crane in the state, supporting efficient shipping. As one of the northernmost deep-water ports, Kodiak also offers direct shipping lanes to Asia.
Connect With Us
We invite local farmers, buyers, and partners to connect with Kodiak Ocean Growers. Whether you’re interested in joining the cooperative, sourcing responsibly grown kelp and shellfish, or exploring partnership opportunities, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we’re building a strong and sustainable future for Kodiak’s ocean farming community.
Address
Kodiak Ocean Growers
P.O. Box 194
Kodiak, AK 99615