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Mariculture, the cultivation of marine plants and shellfish, is a growing, sustainable industry in Alaska outlined as a high research priority in the Alaska Science and Technology Plan.

Kelp and shellfish mariculture practices require various structures that provide substrate for a diversity of biofouling organisms to settle and grow. Biofouling species compete with mariculture species for resources , like weeds, and can reduce crop quality. Organisms like tunicates, sponges, mussels, and algae can clog oyster cages, reducing water flow. Kelp adorned with biofouling species is less marketable.

During community visits and ongoing conversations between Alaska EPSCoR researchers and mariculture farmers, farmers expressed an interest in learning how environmental conditions influence  the growth of biofouling communities. 

While farmers clean their gear of biofoulers, this takes time and effort, so their growth is still a broad concern. Interface of Change researchers are investigating if environmental characteristics such as salinity turbidity, and wave exposure correlate with species composition and growth of fouling organisms on oyster farms in Kachemak Bay and in Prince William Sound. Researchers are also exploring the use of sea urchins as a natural control mechanism for biofouling.

To determine sources of variability in salinity and turbidity and to examine how freshwater discharge influences farm water conditions, the researchers will gather environmental data and conduct biofouling species relative abundance surveys. They will share their data and findings with farmers and community members, and they will develop and distribute laminated, graphical keys of biofouling species for farmers to use to identify species and make management decisions.