PURPOSE: THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROPOSAL IS TO SUPPORT A SERIES OF OUTREACH AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES FOR THE ALASKA SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2026, THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2029 IN COLLABORATION WITH NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION PARTNERS OUTSIDE OF THE NATIONAL SEA GRANT OFFICE. ACTIVITIES: GUIDED BY THE SEA GRANT STRATEGIC PLANS AT BOTH THE STATE AND NATIONAL LEVELS, THE ACTIVITIES IN EACH OF THESE PROJECTS ADDRESS CRITICAL NEEDS OF ALASKA THROUGH UNIVERSITY RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, AND ENGAGEMENT. THE FIRST PROJECT INFORMS THE ALASKA OPPORTUNITY AREA PROCESS THROUGH IN SITU CHARACTERIZATION OF ALASKA OPPORTUNITY AREA OPTIONS IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA. THE SECOND PROJECT PROVIDES TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES, INCLUDING THE LOWELL WAKEFIELD FISHERIES SYMPOSIUM. THE THIRD PROJECT SUPPORTS GROWTH OF THE MARICULTURE INDUSTRY IN ALASKA THROUGH INCREASING CAPACITY AT THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION OYSTER HATCHERY AND BROODSTOCK PROGRAM. THE FOURTH PROJECT IS A PLACEHOLDER FOR FUTURE COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS. OUTCOMES: ALL THESE PROJECTS WILL ACHIEVE OUTCOMES OF ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER TO INDUSTRY. BENEFICIARIES: INTENDED BENEFICIARIES INCLUDE THE MARICULTURE INDUSTRY IN ALASKA, STUDENTS, FISHERY AND AQUACULTURE MANAGERS AND THE PUBLIC. SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES: NOT APPLICABLE.