Investigating key questions about seaweed seed production in support of optimizing seaweed nursery parameters and innovating new methods of seed production to support the growth of the seaweed sector in British Columbia.
Project Dates: April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2027
Funding Amount: $1,281,665
Number of Student Researchers: 4
Project Summary
NIC’s Seaweed Innovation Hub (SIH) builds on a decade of research and innovation led by our Centre
for Applied Research, Technology and Innovation. The SIH provides cutting-edge, cross-sector innovation support; state-of-the-art field, lab, and processing equipment; and knowledge transfer and training to First Nations, industry and community organizations.
The SIH will collaborate with small and medium size enterprises, rights holders, stakeholders, communities, and organizations to support projects that will enhance seed production, increase processing capacity, conduct market analyses, and develop new products to boost the sector's global competitiveness. With Vancouver Island’s rich seaweed biodiversity, skilled workforce, and local Indigenous communities engaged in seaweed business development, this region is well-positioned for growth in this sector.
Mini-courses and industry training in seaweed production, processing, and commercialization have resulted from the knowledge gained in research and innovation projects.
Critical to the hub is a seaweed bioreactor purchased from Victoria-based Industrial Plankton. The bioreactor allows CARTI to further support the growing seaweed sector in BC with research and innovation efforts. This equipment enables predictable and continuous seed supply, improved quality control, increased yields, and new efficiencies in seaweed seed production.
Seaweed offers unique opportunities for social and economic innovation. The Seaweed Innovation Hub will have significant impact on the British Columbia seaweed sector by addressing industry needs, promoting innovation, building capacity, and fostering economic growth while positioning Canada as an innovator in this blue economy sector that is well-positioned to have global impact.
Research Team
Allison Byrne, Research and Innovation Lead
Allison Byrne (Allie) is a researcher in NIC’s Centre for Applied Research, Technology and Innovation where her focus is applied aquaculture research. Most of her work involves field-based seaweed and shellfish research projects that engage local industry partners and NIC students. Allie has an MSc in Geography from the University of Victoria.
Logan Zeinert, Research and Innovation Lead
Logan hails from New Zealand but completed his master’s degree at Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador. Logan has extensive marine surveying and aquaculture research experience and is an accomplished diver. Logan’s work on kelp has involved permitting sites, determining yields and biomass, planning hatcheries, and processing harvested kelp.
Abby Walker, Student Research Assistant
Abby Walker is a biology student at NIC who is working on a variety of projects as a research assistant. She grew up in Campbell River learning and sharing knowledge about the ocean and the creatures in it. Her goal is to have everyone care about the ocean and the balance we hold with it.
Amber Urbshas, Student Research Assistant
Amber is a student researcher pursuing a degree in Earth Sciences. Originally from Ontario, she now enjoys exploring the beautiful coastline of Vancouver Island. Amber aspires to enter the field of hydrology to protect riverine ecosystems and the organisms that rely on them.
Tyler Neuman, Student Research Assistant
Tylar Neuman grew up in Surrey, B.C., and moved to Campbell River in 2023. His passions lie in the biological sciences, stemming from a fascination with the natural world and the island lifestyle. He is thankful for the hands-on experience that working with CARTI will bring.
Senne Vandebeek, Student Research Assistant
Partners
