The Iceland Ocean Cluster is part of a growing network of ocean clusters worldwide. We work closely with sister clusters in the United States, Namibia, and Denmark, strengthening international collaboration and creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, market expansion, and scaling innovative solutions across borders. Together, we are shaping the future of the blue economy.

Founded: 2024
Location: Hirtshals, Denmark

The Danish Ocean Cluster works to strengthen and commercialize Denmark’s blue economy by fostering innovation, promoting circular business models, and supporting sustainable value chains especially in fisheries, aquaculture, by-product utilization, energy, and technology across the North Atlantic region.

The cluster operates as a national project with local roots, connecting actors in Danish fishing ports while leveraging the Iceland Ocean Cluster’s successful model for inspiration. The organization is chaired by Linn Indrestrand, Head of Fishery & Maritime Services at the Port of Hirtshals, with founding partners including Port of Hirtshals, North Sea Science Park, and Greenport North.

Initiatives

• Salmon Hub Development: Supporting the establishment and growth of the Salmon Hub in Hirtshals
• Nordic Ocean Opportunity Project (NOOP): Partnership focused on closing the funding gap in the ocean economy by attracting private capital to sustainable solutions across Nordic countries
• Membership Engagement: Open to businesses, research institutes, and organizations in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, fishing technology, marine energy, and by-product processing

Founded: 2014
Location: Portland, Maine, USA

The New England Ocean Cluster creates value in the Blue Economy by connecting purpose-driven people and organizations, enabling innovation across ocean industries through collaborative approaches and fostering an ocean-focused society that balances economic development, cultural engagement, and environmental responsibility.

The cluster operates from a collaborative waterfront workspace known as “The Hús” (Icelandic word for “house”), providing a physical space for entrepreneurs, businesses, artists, and talented individuals to collaborate. Co-founded by Patrick and Janeen Arnold (Soli DG Inc.) in collaboration with Thor Sigfusson of Iceland Ocean Cluster.

Initiatives

• The Hatchery: Comprehensive support program for pre-revenue founders and early-stage startups through mentorship and resources
• Soft Landing Program: Strategic assistance helping international startups establish their presence in North America via Maine
• Entrepreneurship in the Blue Economy (EITBE): Public event series featuring ocean-focused entrepreneurs and innovative ideas

Founded: 2025
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland

The Scottish Ocean Cluster unites producers, processors, biotech firms, researchers, educators, and investors to develop high-value by-product value chains while creating awareness and commercial opportunities around sustainable, value-added seafood products.

With over 60 organizations pledging support at launch, the cluster is led by Donna Fordyce (CEO of Seafood Scotland) and backed by key organizations including Seafood Scotland, Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC), Opportunity North East, Aberdeenshire Council, and Zero Waste Scotland.

Initiatives

• 100% Utilization Program: Enabling complete utilization of fish and seafood by-products, including langoustine heads and fish viscera
• Scottish Quality Langoustine (SQL) Scheme: Premium labeling initiative to elevate Scottish langoustine quality and traceability
• Biotech Investment Drive: Attracting investment in biotechnology, circular seafood processes, and broader blue economy ventures

Founded: 2020
Location: Faroe Islands

Ocean Cluster Faroes facilitates collaboration among businesses, research institutions, students, and authorities to foster innovation and sustainability in marine industries, benefiting Faroese society through shared projects, knowledge exchange, and ecosystem building.

The cluster is administered by Blue Resource, a Faroese not-for-profit research center focusing on sustainable development, innovation in fisheries, socioeconomic analysis, value chains, and policy coordination. It operates as a stakeholder network under Blue Resource’s coordination.

Initiatives

• Student-Industry Bridge: Facilitating internships, project collaborations, and mentorship opportunities between students and marine companies
• Knowledge Services: Providing research support, training, and stakeholder engagement to transform ideas into actionable projects
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Promoting understanding of marine industries through events, informational materials, and social media engagement

Founded: 2020
Location: Oregon, USA

The Oregon Ocean Cluster works to shift the local seafood economy toward regional value retention by building processing, distribution, and marketing infrastructure while improving economic development, public health, environmental outcomes, and social equity through a “keep more local seafood local” philosophy.

The cluster is anchored by the Oregon Coast Visitors Association (OCVA), led by Executive Director Marcus Hinz who spearheaded its inception. The team includes Laura Anderson (Strategic Industry Advisor and owner of Local Ocean Seafood) and Kristen Penner (Regional Value Chain Coordinator).

Initiatives

• 100% Fish Innovation: Inspired by the Iceland Ocean Cluster, encouraging valorization of by-products to drive new local product lines and employment
• Shared Infrastructure Development: Identifying and deploying shared processing and cold storage solutions for fishers and small coastal processors
• Financing Coordination: Helping members access grants, public funds, and impact capital to scale regional seafood operations

Founded: 2015
Location: New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA

The New Bedford Ocean Cluster aims to transform Greater New Bedford into the premier ocean economy on the U.S. East Coast, leveraging its deep maritime heritage to diversify into new marine sectors through collaboration with public, private, and academic partners.

The cluster began as a program under the New Bedford Port Authority, merged with the city’s former Wind Energy Center in 2019, and was incorporated officially as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2021. Executive Director Jennifer Downing leads the organization with a strong board including former Mayor John Bullard as Board President.

Initiatives

• “Act Local” Program: Connecting offshore wind developers (e.g., Vineyard Wind) with local businesses to build diversified and equitable supply chains
• Port Integration: The Port of New Bedford serves as a marshaling hub for offshore wind projects with upgraded infrastructure
• Global Engagement: Hosting annual Ocean Economy Conferences, international trade missions, and community forums

Founded: 2017
Location: Anchorage, Alaska, USA

The Alaska Ocean Cluster supports early-stage companies advancing technology for Alaska’s maritime industries, coastal communities, and ecosystems while providing tailored startup collaboration, deployment opportunities, and access to a global network of stakeholders.

Originally launched by the Bering Sea Fishermen’s Association with U.S. Economic Development Administration support, the cluster was transferred to the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) in February 2023 and rebranded as the AFDF Startup Accelerator. Current Director Garrett Evridge leads the program with industry advisory committee guidance.

Initiatives

• Technology Testing: Salmon bycatch reduction technology testing aboard pollock vessels with SafetyNet Technologies and Coastal Villages Region Fund
• Sea Ice Forecasting: Advanced forecasting models development with PolArctic LLC and local fishermen
• Innovation Workshops: Hosting forums with NOAA, Seafood Harvesters of America, Schmidt Marine Technology Partners, and others

Founded: 2020
Location: Long Island Sound region, USA

The Long Island Sound Ocean Cluster connects students, researchers, entrepreneurs, businesses, and

The cluster is co-founded by C. Patrick Heidkamp, a Professor in the Department of Environment, Geography, and Marine Sciences at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), with Executive Director Michaela Garland, who holds a Ph.D. in Geography and expertise in energy and environmental management.

Initiatives

• 100% Fish Utilization Project: Collaboration with Project Blue at SCSU and Ideal Fish to create value from fish byproducts for zero-waste seafood processing
• Student-Driven Startups: Annual student cohorts launching marine-related businesses focusing on innovation, sustainability, and market potential
• Conservation Partnerships: Supporting Long Island Sound Partnership initiatives to restore habitats, reduce pollution, and foster sustainable industry growth

Founded: 2020
Location: Namibia

The Namibia Ocean Cluster maximizes utilization and value of all seafood harvested, minimizing waste while boosting socio-economic benefits. This mission aligns with UN FAO’s SDG 12.3 of halving food loss and waste by 2030.

As Africa’s first Ocean Cluster, it operates as a pre-competitive forum for collaboration across the seafood value chain. Cluster Chair Pierre le Roux (Sales & Marketing Manager at Seawork) leads the organization, which is legally registered as a non-profit and backed by the World Economic Forum’s Ocean Action Agenda and UK’s Blue Planet Fund.

Initiatives

• Innovation Promotion: Advancing research and new markets for fisheries by-products to accelerate the shift toward a circular seafood economy
• Global Movement Participation: Joining the international “100% Fish” movement alongside clusters in Iceland, Alaska, New England, and Denmark
• Conference Representation: Contributing to global food loss and waste solutions at international forums like the UN Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona