The Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, Inc. (AFDF), based in Juneau, Alaska, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development and sustainability of Alaska's seafood industry. Established in 1978, AFDF acts as a collaborative hub for research, innovation, and policy advocacy, serving a broad coalition of industry stakeholders including harvesters, processors, scientists, and community organizations.
Core Business
AFDF's mission is to identify and implement projects that improve the value, sustainability, and economic vitality of Alaska’s fisheries and mariculture industries. By fostering partnerships across private and public sectors, AFDF promotes science-based solutions and facilitates market access for Alaskan seafood through quality enhancement, sustainability certification, and product innovation.
AFDF’s work covers several programmatic areas:
- Sustainable fisheries certification and management
- Seafood product development and innovation
- Energy efficiency in fishing vessel operations
- Alaska mariculture and aquaculture expansion
Product and Service Offerings
AFDF delivers services and supports initiatives across multiple strategic pillars:
-
Alaska Symphony of Seafood
- An annual competition that showcases new, value-added seafood products developed in Alaska
- Promotes innovation, marketing, and increased utilization of Alaska’s seafood resources
-
Sustainability Certification
- Supports fisheries in achieving and maintaining Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certifications
- Works closely with industry partners to demonstrate compliance with global sustainability benchmarks
-
Alaska Mariculture Initiative (AMI)
- Multi-year strategy to build Alaska’s shellfish and seaweed farming industry
- Includes research, workforce development, policy support, and industry coordination
- Supports the goal of developing a $100 million mariculture economy by 2040
-
Vessel Energy Solutions (VES)
- A technical assistance program helping fishing vessel owners assess and adopt energy-efficient technologies
- Supports fuel-saving retrofits and alternative energy options to reduce operational costs and emissions
Specialization and Core USP
AFDF stands out for its collaborative, science-based approach to fisheries development and resource utilization. Its core competencies include:
- Facilitating public-private partnerships to implement industry-led solutions
- Strong credibility in regulatory, scientific, and policy-making circles
- Data-driven project management with measurable outcomes in resource utilization, sustainability, and industry development
- Serving as a neutral convening body for stakeholders across the seafood value chain
Financial Overview
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, AFDF receives funding through grants, program revenues, sponsorships, and industry support. Key funding and partnerships include:
- Grants from NOAA Sea Grant, USDA, and Alaska Department of Commerce
- Sponsorships and registration fees from the Alaska Symphony of Seafood
- Strategic partnerships with seafood companies, tribal organizations, and regional development agencies
Estimated annual operating budget ranges between $1.5–2.5 million, with major expenditures directed toward program implementation and stakeholder engagement.
Shipment and Export Data
While AFDF does not directly export seafood, its work significantly influences Alaska’s global seafood trade:
- Alaska’s seafood exports totaled $3.2 billion in 2023, with a growing share of value-added products
- Products featured in the Alaska Symphony of Seafood have entered international markets in Europe, Japan, and the U.S.
AFDF’s certification work supports the global marketability of Alaska’s seafood by ensuring it meets international sustainability standards.
Target Market
AFDF serves a wide range of stakeholders in Alaska’s seafood economy, including:
- Commercial harvesters and seafood processors
- Mariculture and aquaculture entrepreneurs
- Fishing vessel operators and fleet managers
- Environmental and policy advocates
- Government agencies and academic researchers
- Buyers and importers of certified Alaska seafood
Its work directly benefits industry competitiveness and indirectly supports consumer awareness and market access.
Capabilities
- Program design and implementation across fisheries science, energy, and sustainability
- Policy advocacy and technical assistance for mariculture development
- Fisheries certification facilitation (MSC and RFM)
- Event management and product promotion through the Alaska Symphony of Seafood
- Technical audits and pilot programs in vessel efficiency and innovation
- Cross-sector coalition building with proven success in stakeholder alignment
Certifications and Compliance
AFDF plays a key role in helping Alaska fisheries achieve and maintain:
- MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) Certification
- RFM (Responsible Fisheries Management) Certification
- Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) alignment for mariculture operations
AFDF also adheres to USDA, NOAA, and state compliance frameworks when executing grant-funded programs.
Customer Testimonials
“AFDF’s work in mariculture has helped us launch our seaweed business with strong scientific backing and regulatory support.”
— Founder, Alaska Kelp Cooperative
“Through the Symphony of Seafood, we’ve been able to showcase our product on a national stage and connect with new buyers.”
— Marketing Director, Regional Seafood Processor
Major Achievements
- Launched the Alaska Mariculture Development Plan, now guiding state-wide economic development efforts in seaweed and shellfish farming
- Over 25 years of Alaska Symphony of Seafood, featuring 300+ new product innovations
- Facilitated sustainability certifications covering over 80% of Alaska’s commercial fisheries
- Led federal and state partnerships to develop energy audit tools for Alaska’s fishing fleet
- Supported the establishment of the Mariculture Research and Training Center in partnership with the University of Alaska
AFDF continues to serve as a vital engine for innovation and sustainability in Alaska’s seafood sector, creating economic opportunity while safeguarding marine resources for future generations.
