From job creation to pioneering novel drying technologies, this small coastal community is embracing kelp as both a sustainable resource and an economic engine.
Kristin Smith, executive director of the Prince William Sound Economic Development District (PWSEDD) and mayor of the coastal city, has seen the evolution first-hand.
"Cordova has always been centred around the ocean," she says. "But what we’re seeing now with seaweed might be the next generation of ocean-based livelihood."
While better known for its prolific salmon runs and historic fishing fleet, Cordova is now also becoming a hub of innovation in mariculture, with seaweed at the centre of a growing green economy.
From job creation to pioneering novel drying technologies, this small coastal community is embracing kelp as both a sustainable resource and an economic engine.
"We’ve got the boats, the docks, the know-how. What we’re doing is adapting that existing infrastructure to support seaweed. That means training, processing, and ideally, rethinking our energy use,” Smith explains.
Cordova’s strategic position on Prince William Sound, with access to nutrient-rich waters and a skilled maritime workforce, makes it an ideal node in Alaska’s expanding seaweed sector and most of the seaweed harvested in the region comes through the town for processing.
"Cordova is becoming a processing hub," Smith explains. "Several farms from around the Sound are landing product here. It’s not just about growing kelp anymore – we also have to create the systems for what you do with it after it's harvested."
A new wave of employment
Mariculture – the cultivation of low-trophic marine organisms like seaweed and shellfish – is generating new jobs in Cordova, many of which tap into its citizens existing skillsets.
"We’re seeing deckhands, processors, mechanics, and marine electricians getting work from this industry," says Smith. "Even welders and fabricators are needed to build and retrofit gear."
There’s also a growing need for technical expertise, particularly around quality control, data management and regulatory compliance. In a town long driven by capture fisheries, the comparative structure and predictability of farming represents a major shift.
"Fishing groups and processors have been educating people on quality handling practices for decades," Smith says. "Now the Alaska Mariculture Cluster is building programmes to teach them how to handle farmed kelp: how to dry it, test it, store it and sell it. That’s a learning curve, but Cordova is plenty capable of it."
In partnership with Prince William Sound College and Alaska SeaGrant and its Mariculture Research & Training Center, regional organisations are developing training programmes and job pipelines for young people interested in entering the field.
"We want local residents to see kelp farming not just as a side-hustle, but as a viable career path," she adds.
Breaking through the seaweed bottleneck
One of the biggest technical challenges in kelp farming is drying the seaweed – preserving it in a shelf-stable form requires removing large volumes of water quickly and efficiently. In a damp coastal climate like Cordova’s, that’s easier said than done.
"Drying is our bottleneck. You can grow all the seaweed you want, but if you can’t dry it, you’re stuck,” Smith explains.
To tackle this, Cordova businesses is are investing in both low-tech and high-tech solutions. On one end of the spectrum, farmers and processors are developing custom-built racks and ventilated barns to air-dry kelp during the short spring harvest window (in Homer, AK). On the other, Cordova kelp farmers and the PWSEDD are exploring the use of commercial-scale dehydrators.
"We’re working on developing a shared drying facility," Smith says. "Think of it like a commercial kitchen, but for seaweed. Farmers could bring their harvest in, dry it, pack it, and ship it – all in one place."
Political backing
According to Smith, Cordova’s success in mariculture hasn’t been accidental. The Cordova and Valdez municipalities both actively support the sector’s growth through supporting grant applications, designating property for development (Valdez) and strategic planning. The Native Village of Eyak Tribal Council also operates a kelp research farm and supports the development of seaweed farming opportunities for its village members.
"The city’s been a real partner. They’ve helped secure funding for our harbor infrastructure and worked with the state on permitting pathways. We’re not just out here winging it. There’s a active support,” she points out.
That plan includes integrating mariculture into the city’s broader economic development strategy, ensuring that the benefits of the industry stay local.
"We want to keep the value chain here: grow it, dry it, process it, ship it from Cordova. That’s how you build real resilience,” Smith reflects.
Kelp education extends to kids in local schools too, as the PWSEDD participates in the PWS Science Center’s Ocean Science Fair to incorporate mariculture education into science and vocational curricula.
"We want the next generation to see kelp not just as something that washes up on the beach, but as something they can build a future with,” Smith notes.
A blueprint for coastal Alaska?
Cordova’s model is one of a few “kelp hubs” now being watched closely around Alaska and beyond. With climate change threatening traditional fisheries, mariculture could offer a viable alternative – one that is regenerative, adaptable, and rooted in place.
"We’re creating jobs, diversifying the economy, and helping heal the ocean all at once," says Smith. "What more could you ask for? Seaweed farming is being explored for its potential in agricultural biostimulants, carbon capture, bioplastics and bio-energy, some really big-scale ideas."
As the seaweed sector grows, Cordova’s docks, processors and drying sheds are capturing more value from its marine harvest. What was once an experimental add-on to the fishing season may become a pillar of the local economy.
"There’s something really powerful about watching a community come together around a new idea. Seaweed’s not just good for the ocean – it’s good for Cordova,” Smith asserts.
*This article is part of a project commissioned by the SEC to highlight the region's mariculture sector. To learn more about the sector visit https://alaska.seaweedinsights...
