Background: The Prince William Sound Science Center is part of a multi-year research proposal funded by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS) Trustee Council. Other research partners involved in the project include the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, Alaska Sea Grant, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Native Village of Eyak, NOAA’s Alaska Fisheries Science Center, and Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

The Mariculture Research and Restoration Consortium (Mar ReCon) team strives to support restoration, habitat enhancement, and economic development through research and partnerships between scientists and seaweed and shellfish farmers. Proposed research components focus on the interplay between aquatic farms and ecosystem services, restoration of spill-affected species, pelagic and benthic ecosystems, marine mammals, as well as development of oyster breeding technologies, kelp production techniques, and economics related to mariculture, including product development.

PWSSC and the Mar ReCon Team are inviting aquatic farmers in Prince William Sound (PWS) to participate in research that is occurring in eastern PWS. Accepted applicants will work with researchers to deploy research equipment for monitoring fish interactions with farms and install and maintain instrumentation to monitor environmental conditions, make wildlife observations, and maintain open communication with the ReCon team. Farmers will be compensated for their time and effort in this project. Accepted applicants may be asked to renew their contract annually for up to three years.

Farmer Requirements:

• Approved aquatic farm lease from ADNR, or submitted lease application to ADNR

• Use of a vessel to access farm site.

• Ability to assist with at least 3 sonar deployments per year.

• Ability to assist in the installation and maintenance of environmental sensors and sampling equipment on or nearby farm

• 1-year commitment to project

• Does not have an existing contract with the Mariculture ReCon Program Team.

• The following insurance policies must be in place: (1) Commercial general liability insurance, with property damage; (2) Hull and Machinery insurance with limits sufficient to cover any vessels the farmer utilizes in the performance of the research; and (3) Protection and Indemnity insurance, with limits of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) per event, as applicable for the proposed operations.

Farmer Compensation:

Farmers who complete deliverables to support this research will be compensated up to $12,000 per year, for up to three years, paid quarterly. However, if any farmer fails to meet minimum requirements, completed work will be paid to date, and the contract will be terminated in an effort to preserve the overall research results. The funds for this work will be provided by a grant from the EVOS Trustee Council.

Important Dates:

June 3, 2024 – Request for Applications (RFA) announcement
June 13th, 2024 – Applications due to PWSSC, Alysha Cypher - acypher@pwssc.org
June 20th, 2024 – Selected applicants notified
July 1th, 2024– Project Year 1 begins

If you have questions about this application, you can contact Alysha Cypher at acypher@pwssc.org.