The Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) has announced over CAN$1.1 million in funding for two Vancouver Island Blue Economy projects that will support sustainable aquaculture practices and boost the competitiveness of British Colombia’s seaweed and shellfish producers.
PacifiCan is providing $881,600 to North Island College to establish a Seaweed Innovation Hub (SIH), to advance B.C.’s sustainable seaweed industry. Funding will help SIH create a seaweed seed bank, secure a mobile processing unit, test new seaweed dehydration and food processing technologies, and help small-scale producers improve operations and adopt innovations. The organization said Vancouver Island’s seaweed biodiversity, workforce, and local Indigenous communities engaged in seaweed business development position the sector for growth.
“The blue economy represents an opportunity for sustainable economic growth in British Columbia,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for PacifiCan. “By supporting innovation in B.C.’s seaweed and shellfish industries, we are helping local businesses improve productivity, expand into new markets, and create quality jobs. These investments will also promote environmental stewardship, ensuring our ocean resources are managed sustainably, while driving economic benefits for coastal regions and Indigenous communities.”
PacifiCan is also providing $250,000 to the B.C. Shellfish Growers’ Association, a non-profit representing shellfish industry stakeholders. This funding will support the Industry Modernization of Practices, Accountability, and Communications Program (IMPACT), which helps small-scale shellfish producers modernize operations with advanced technologies, boost productivity, promote environmental stewardship, and expand further into global markets.
The investments will help advance B.C.’s shellfish and seaweed industries by increasing product value, expanding export opportunities, and creating jobs in British Columbia, including for underrepresented groups like women and Indigenous peoples.
