WORKSHOPS
We offer Oyster Hatchery Training Workshops through a collaborative effort between OceansAlaska, The Nature Conservancy SOAR, Alaska Sea Grant, Alaska Mariculture Research & Training Center, and the University of Alaska Southeast Applied Fisheries Program. Held over three immersive days aboard OceansAlaska’s floating shellfish hatchery and research center, these workshops are designed to strengthen hatchery and farming knowledge, expand regional capacity, and support the long-term growth of Alaska’s shellfish industry.
Tailored for oyster farmers, prospective farmers, mariculture students, and researchers, the workshops provide hands-on training in the core elements of oyster production. Participants gain practical experience in microalgae cultivation, larval rearing, settlement techniques, and nursery systems, while also engaging with industry professionals and researchers working at the forefront of shellfish aquaculture in Alaska.
With seven workshops held to date, the program continues to evolve and expand alongside Alaska’s growing shellfish sector—supporting resilient, locally driven mariculture.
Growth timeline
Laying the Foundation
The inaugural Oyster Hatchery & Farming Workshop marked the beginning of a multi-year partnership focused on hands-on education and industry support. This first workshop established a strong foundation by introducing participants to the fundamentals of oyster hatchery operations in a real-world, working facility.
Expanding Access
Building on early success and growing interest, the program expanded to host two workshops in one year. This addition allowed more farmers, students, and researchers to participate, reflecting a rising demand for hatchery-focused training and reinforcing the need for continued workforce development in Alaska mariculture.
Connecting Hatchery to Farm
In 2024, the workshop expanded beyond the hatchery walls to show participants where oyster seed goes next. Attendees took a boat trip to Hump Island Oyster Farm, located in Clover Passage outside of Ketchikan, offering an opportunity to connect hatchery practices to FLUPSY and grow-out operations. This field experience helped bridge the gap between seed production and farm-scale realities. Thank you Jacinda (farm manager) and Hump Island staff for making this bonus experience happen!
Training more Trainers
The 2025 workshops marked a major step forward in capacity building. In addition to the general workshop, a new “Train the Trainer” session was introduced, aimed at oyster farmers and industry members interested in teaching others how to establish or operate hatchery systems. This expansion emphasized knowledge transfer and long-term industry resilience.
The 2025 workshops also celebrated Alaska shellfish culture with fresh oysters from SeaGrove, which participants shucked and sampled together—highlighting the full journey from hatchery to plate.
Strengthening Industry Connections
Celebrating the success of our 5th annual Oyster Hatchery Training, the 2026 workshop was one to remember! Participants built practical skills in key areas of oyster production, including microalgae cultivation, spawning and larval rearing, and seed setting. This year also placed a strong emphasis on what comes after the hatchery, introducing participants to grow-out strategies such as FLUPSYs (floating upwelling systems) and farming methods.
The workshop concluded with an oyster shucking competition—featuring oysters from Blue Starr Oyster Co.—followed by a tasting that further strengthened ties to Alaska’s oyster industry and mariculture community.
Looking ahead
Building on years of participant feedback and program growth, the upcoming workshop will continue to refine hands-on training opportunities while supporting Alaska’s evolving shellfish farming community. This workshop reflects a partnership between OceansAlaska, Alaska Sea Grant, Alaska Mariculture Research & Training Center (AMRTC), and University of Alaska Southeast Applied Fisheries Program. Dates for the next Oyster Hatchery & Nursery Workshop have not yet been released.
NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
$50 workshop fee; all travel and lodging for participants will be covered. Space is limited to 12 participants; While all are welcome to apply, preference will be given to Alaska residents and active oyster farmers
Workshop impact
Since 2022, the Oyster Hatchery & Farming Workshops have helped build practical skills, professional networks, and regional capacity for shellfish aquaculture in Alaska. By centering hands-on learning in a working hatchery, the program lowers barriers to entry and supports farmers and practitioners at every stage—from first exposure to advanced hatchery training.
Workshop Outcomes Include:
- Increased technical knowledge in oyster hatchery and nursery operations
- Stronger connections between farmers, researchers, and students
- Expanded training capacity through “train-the-trainer” programming
- Continued adaptation of workshop content in response to industry needs
apply for our 2027 workshop
Join us for three days of hands-on oyster hatchery training at our floating facility in Ketchikan and gain practical skills you can bring directly back to your farm or future operation. Whether you’re an active grower, exploring hatchery production, or looking to deepen your technical knowledge, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn inside a working shellfish hatchery alongside industry professionals.
Space is limited to twelve individuals and applications are required. While all are welcome to apply, preference will be given to Alaska residents and active oyster farmers. The workshop fee is $50, and travel and lodging for participants will be covered.
Dates for our 2027 workshop are TBD.
What do participants value most?
“The hands-on components were super helpful! I learn best when I am doing so I really appreciated that.”
“I enjoyed how the discussions were integrated with applied application into the activities.”
Participants repeatedly emphasized the importance of working directly with algae, larvae, and hatchery systems in a real-world setting.
“Moving through the course as you would through the hatchery process / oyster life cycle. Starting with algae and finishing with grow out of oysters.”
“The course gave me a much better sense of oyster mariculture in AK from start to finish.”
Moving step-by-step through the oyster lifecycle—from microalgae to grow-out—helped participants connect concepts into a complete system.
“The complexity and challenges in running an efficient and effective oyster hatchery and how to reduce the risk in each step of the process.”
“Techniques for water management and equipment.”
Key skills included:
- Microalgae cultivation and handling
- Spawning and larval rearing
- Water quality management
- Hatchery system design and operation
“Most useful for me was understanding what oyster farms are accomplishing right now in the state and different farm methods paired with understanding the oyster life cycle and the effort it takes to run a hatchery.”
Participants valued learning how hatchery practices translate directly to farm operations and industry realities.
“Fantastic to see how the hatchery was plumbed and learn an overview… It was also great to interact and learn from the other participants.”
“It was also really great to network with people from my community and neighboring communities.”
Networking with farmers, researchers, and peers was consistently described as a major benefit.
Why Participants Join
Participants come to the workshop from a wide range of backgrounds, but share a common interest in building skills, exploring mariculture, and contributing to Alaska’s future:
- Starting or expanding oyster farms
- Developing hatchery programs and research projects
- Gaining hands-on marine science experience
- Exploring food security and climate resilience solutions
- Transitioning into careers in aquaculture
- Integrating shellfish into existing operations (e.g., kelp farms, multiculture systems)
Workshop Ratings
Instructor & Delivery
- Instructors were rated as highly effective, engaging, and responsive
- Presentations were clear, organized, and made complex concepts approachable
- Participants consistently noted strong use of class time and interactive teaching
Course Content
- Learning objectives were clearly communicated
- Content was well-structured and thoughtfully sequenced
- Workload was appropriate for the depth of material covered
- The course supported full participation and engagement
Meet our team
Meet the individuals who help bring these workshops to life, including the experts that teach the course