The Ecology Action Centre's Kelp Kurious project is helping folks learn about opportunities in the seaweed sector. Through this project, we are supporting small-scale, regenerative seaweed farming and small-scale seaweed product entrepreneurs to help develop community-based economic opportunities and sustainable sources of income.
Why seaweed? Now is the time to rethink our relationship to the ocean and how we produce seafood. Who has access to marine resources? Who benefits? What are the impacts? How can local communities be at the forefront of rebuilding resilient economies? We are excited to demonstrate how seaweed farming can be a small part of a sustainable, diverse and resilient coastal economy.
For more ways to get involved, check out the information below to learn about seaweed farmer training, research opportunities, community education opportunities and the support our project is providing to small-scale entrepreneurs looking to enter into the seaweed sector.
Farmer Training, Seaweed Nursery & Education Centre
Farmer Training, Seaweed Nursery & Education Centre
Do you want to become a seaweed farmer? We can help you learn all you need to know to start growing, tending and harvesting seaweed! Reach out for more information about:Â
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Farmer trainingÂ
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Navigating regulatory requirements for your farmÂ
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Science-based, low-impact farming techniquesÂ
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Our spores-to-spools nursery, which demonstrates low-cost methods including how to set up using a few cuttings of local, wild kelpÂ
To learn more about farmer training opportunities, get in touch with us at anika.riopel@ecologyaction.ca.
Are you interested in pursuing seaweed related research? Our farm site is also a space for partners to research:Â
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Innovative farming techniques and farm designÂ
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Carbon and nutrient capture potential from kelp farmingÂ
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Marine ecosystem benefits and impacts from kelp farmingÂ
To learn more about research opportunities, get in touch with us at anika.riopel@ecologyaction.ca.
You can also visit our education centre to:Â
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Learn about kelp’s role in our marine ecosystemsÂ
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Discover the varieties of seaweed naturally found in the waters of Nova ScotiaÂ
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Explore seaweed and other creatures in our touch tankÂ
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Learn about seaweed and shellfish farmingÂ
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Explore seaweed farming as a form of coastal livelihoodÂ
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Test out seaweed productsÂ
We are grateful to Peter Darnell, owner of Indian Point Marine Farms and our partner on this project, for hosting the demonstration seaweed farm and education centre in Mahone Bay, NS. Peter’s long-time background in the Slow Food movement and decades as an ocean farmer of mussels and scallops, make his advice and support invaluable to our work.Â
Supporting Entrepreneurs & the Market for Seaweed Products
Supporting Entrepreneurs & the Market for Seaweed Products
We are fostering opportunities for micro and small business entrepreneurs to enter into the burgeoning seaweed sector by:
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Providing support for entrepreneurs to develop, test and launch seaweed products, including food, health and beauty, fertilizer and bioplastics products
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Building a business mentorship network and connecting entrepreneurs with relevant business incubator and accelerator services
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Compiling market research and feasibility studies and making them publicly accessible
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Identifying new and existing markets for seaweed product entrepreneurs
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Exploring a variety of business models to support the development of the seaweed sector in Atlantic Canada
Click here to check out our Post-Harvest Handling Guide for Cultivated Kelp in Nova Scotia!
Are you interested in developing a seaweed product? Are you seeking business support services to enter into the market for seaweed products? To learn more, get in touch at merydie.ross@ecologyaction.ca.
Getting Seaweed Farming Regulations Right-Sized
Getting Seaweed Farming Regulations Right-Sized
Like all human activities in the ocean, seaweed farming can have impacts and risks. However, if pursued at an appropriate scale with the protection of wild seaweed, biodiversity and ecosystem health at the core of operations, it can be an ecologically and economically sustainable source of income for coastal communities.
We will promote rigorous science-based regulations that are:
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Seaweed specific
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Right-sized for low-risk farming
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Navigable for small-scale farmers and small business owners
Why now? For too long, industrial aquaculture and overfishing has depleted our ocean. As interest in kelp farming booms in North America, the Ecology Action Centre advocates for space in the growing seaweed sector for the small-scale grower and small business opportunities along the value chain.
When done responsibly, seaweed farming can contribute to healthy marine ecosystems and enhance coastal livelihoods by providing a sustainable income for seaweed farmers and small businesses.