Improving fisheries management models, increasing the size of farm-raised oysters, and learning how to raise red and blue king crab in large-scale hatcheries are among the $1.5 million in new projects, activities, and administration of the Alaska Sea Grant College Programme over the next two years, the programme announced today.
During 2008–2010, researchers will
• Examine whether interbreeding between hatchery and wild salmon diminishes the genetic fitness of wild salmon. This study is aimed at further understanding the consequences of interbreeding on Alaska's wild salmon.
• Study ways to improve single-species fishery management models and understand the uncertainties associated with them. Such efforts will improve the scientific advice given to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
• Study the early stages of red king crab through laboratory studies on growth and field studies on the importance of specific habitats. The knowledge gained will be important to the evaluation of any future wild king crab enhancement programme.
• Develop lines of large-growing oyster broodstock to supply Alaska oyster farmers with high-yielding seed. Larger oysters would increase the value of Alaska farmed oysters.
• Examine the perceptions by youth in Alaska's coastal communities of their lives today and their goals for the future. A product of this project will be a series of short ethnographic films produced by teachers and youths in rural Alaska communities. The project intends to put a human face on the high rates of outmigration in rural Alaska coastal communities.
• Compare salmon head oil extraction techniques and devise extraction methods that can be used by small salmon processors. Salmon oil is an excellent source of omega-3 and other fatty acids important to human health and development. Salmon heads contain much of the oil found in salmon. Utilising Alaska's estimated 60,000 metric tons of salmon heads discarded each year would add value to Alaska seafood and reduce seafood processing waste.
To view all of the 2008–2010 research projects funded by Alaska Sea Grant, please see the Project Directory at http://seagrant.uaf.edu/Projects.html
