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, it was announced today.

Alaska Sea Grant is a statewide marine research, education, communication and extension service based at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.

The programme is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in partnership with the State of Alaska and private industry.

Alaska Sea Grant solicits research proposals every two years to meet the goals and objectives outlined in its strategic plan. New research projects are announced following a rigorous proposal review process and funding from Congress.

In all, Alaska Sea Grant received federal programme funding totalling $1.5 million over the next two years.

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; and

* 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. Utilizing Alaska’s estimated 60,000 metric tons of salmon heads discarded each year would add value to Alaska seafood and reduce seafood processing waste.