AMA’s mission is to develop and support a robust and sustainable mariculture industry for the long-term benefit of Alaska’s economy, environment, and communities. “Mariculture” means the production, enhancement, utilization and promotion of marine shellfish and aquatic plants cultivated in Alaska.
We’re cultivating Alaska’s mariculture future: an industry that drives economic opportunity, enhances our marine environment, and empowers communities across the state.
Our work is guided by our Board of Directors, who meet at least four times per year to chart AMA’s course. AMA’s Directors are elected by the membership to serve three-year terms. Elections are held at our annual meeting, which is held in the first quarter of the year.
The Alaska Mariculture Alliance is a successor to the Alaska Mariculture Task Force, which was created by Governor Bill Walker in 2016, and later maintained and supported by Governor Mike Dunleavy when he took office.
The Task Force identified the need for an organization dedicated to supporting the growth of Alaska’s mariculture industries, and AMA was established in 2021.
Nick Mangini, President
Kodiak Island Sustainable Seaweed
Lindsay Olsen, Vice-President
Spinnaker Sea Farms
Dr. Tiffany Stephens, Treasurer
Kelp Line
Thea Thomas, Secretary
Royal Ocean Kelp Company
Julie Decker
Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation
Melissa Good
Alaska Sea Grant
James Greeley
Tommaso Shellfish
Anthony Lindoff
Kaawu Oyster Co
Tomi Marsh
OceansAlaska
Heather McCarty
Central Bering Sea Fishermen’s Association
Markos Scheer
Seagrove
Dr. Michael Stekoll
University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Fisheries Department
Eric Wyatt
Blue Starr Oyster Company
Jason Lessard’s Alaska story began in 1994 with a visit to Anchorage and a last-minute decision to work the salmon season in Bristol Bay, an experience that sparked a lifelong connection to Alaska and its food systems. He spent nearly two decades working in the fishing industry before transitioning to nonprofit leadership. His past roles include Director of Operations at the Food Bank of Alaska and Executive Director of the Anchorage chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Jason serves as a Governing Body Member of both the Alaska Food Policy Council and the Alaska Mariculture Cluster and has previously held board and governance roles focused on mental health advocacy and ethics.
Emma Luck is currently serving as a 2025 Alaska Sea Grant State Fellow with the Alaska Mariculture Alliance. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of Alaska Southeast and a Master of Marine Policy from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Growing up in Homer, Alaska, she developed an interest in marine science from an early age. Emma is particularly interested in policy initiatives relating to marine resource management and ocean conservation in Alaska’s coastal communities.
Thank you for your interest in the Alaska Mariculture Alliance! We do not have any positions open right now.
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