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Exploring energy efficiency in Alaska’s mariculture industry

September 23, 2025

Mariculture, or marine farming, is the cultivation of marine organisms in natural or enclosed environments. In Alaska, it refers to seaweed and shellfish farming.

Mariculture farmers in Alaska are interested in making their operations more energy efficient by reducing fuel and electricity use, thereby lowering their operational costs while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

This summer, ACEP intern Shane Morris spent time on the Green Energy in Mariculture project, led by Chandler Kemp, an assistant professor of sustainable energy at the 51�������� Bristol Bay campus and an affiliate researcher with ACEP. Working with kelp farmers and processors, Morris evaluated how much energy was used during both harvesting and processing. He analyzed data collected from vessels and processing equipment to identify areas where energy consumption could be reduced.

The goal of this work was to recommend solutions that incorporate renewable energy and improve efficiency of kelp production, which would help develop cleaner operations and lower the overall cost of producing kelp. Such efforts would contribute to long-term energy security for coastal communities and create a pathway for integrating renewable energy into working waterfronts.

Morris’ work lays the groundwork for a more resilient and climate-conscious mariculture industry in Alaska’s future. It supports Alaska’s growing mariculture industry by helping it become more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable.

Morris has always been passionate about helping build a more sustainable future. In fact, that was the reason why he decided to study electrical engineering and power electronics systems in college.

“Growing up in Alaska taught me the importance of caring for the environment,” said Morris, who is originally from Unalaska and is currently studying at Virginia Tech.

That desire, combined with his strength in math and problem solving, led him to pursue a career in renewable energy.

Working on the GEM project has given him a great introduction to the kind of work he wants to do long-term.

“I’ve learned through this internship that there’s always more to learn,” he reflected. “Whether it’s new ideas or tools, there’s always something you can apply to what you're passionate about.”

This internship also gave him different perspectives on energy issues.

“My interest in energy policy grew during my internship, after attending the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference earlier this summer,” he said.

This internship was funded by the through the 51�������� Center for Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship and the ACEP Undergraduate Summer Internship program. View the on ACEP’s YouTube channel. For more information on this project, contact Chandler Kemp at ckemp6@alaska.edu.