Effective solutions to help your farm thrive.

Bill Collins was developing business cases to attract foreign direct investment on behalf of the Vancouver Island Economic Development Alliance, one of which was sustainable aquaculture. He mentioned this while catching up with Michael Williamson, who coincidentally was investigating opportunities for his next project. Together, with Tony Ethier, they saw tremendous potential in building a scalable business that enhances the natural environment and provides economic opportunity for Indigenous and coastal communities.

Climate change is the most pressing issue of our time.

It’s a crisis that impacts the environment, human health, the economy and our daily lives. Climate-related events — such as fires, floods and droughts — continue to hinder our ability to produce enough food for the growing population. On top of the increased demand, environmental uncertainties, and rising costs, farmers are required to reduce emissions to help curb the vicious cycle of climate change.

The founders of Cascadia Seaweed believe that solutions come from the sea.

Seaweeds are plant-like organisms that grow in marine environments, categorized by their pigments, red, green and brown, and there are over 10,000 different species around the world. A recognizable group of brown canopy seaweeds are called kelps, of which there are 30 different species in British Columbia. Like terrestrial forests, underwater kelp forests are critical ecosystems providing shelter and food, capturing carbon and producing oxygen, mitigating acidification and absorbing excess nutrients.

When harvested, seaweeds have a long list of potential uses from whole food, food ingredients, animal and livestock feed, cosmetics, nuetra- and pharmaceuticals, biopackaging, and natural alternatives to synthetic and chemical fertilizers. The demand for seaweed-based products continues to grow by 6% a year, however, like many species, naturally occurring kelp forests are in decline.

The solution is to responsibly grow local seaweeds on low-impact ocean farms.

“We can responsibly cultivate seaweed on low-impact ocean farms, producing the same ecosystem services as naturally occurring kelp, then harvest the cultivated biomass and manufacture products that address the needs of crop and livestock farmers who are working so hard to build a more climate-resilient food system,” says Michael Williamson. “And we can do this in partnership with Indigenous communities.”

It’s sustainable aquaculture supporting regenerative agriculture — a circular system where every touch point makes a positive impact.

First Nations Partnerships

Cascadia Seaweed is committed to fostering meaningful and lasting partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, recognizing that the participation of coastal First Nations is critical to the long-term success of the seaweed industry. We acknowledge and value traditional ecological knowledge as equal to scientific knowledge, embracing a comprehensive and integrated approach to engagement. Guided by our commitment to a collaborative and integrated value chain, we expect all partners to contribute to and benefit from this shared success. Above all, we strive to maintain a consistent and respectful dialogue with all rights and title holders, upholding our responsibility to work together in such a way that is equitable, transparent, and mutually beneficial.

Indigenous Wisdom Video

As a certified B Corp and registered Benefit Company in British Columbia, we are committed to building a profitable and scalable business that our team members, shareholders and business partners are proud to be a part of.

Our Purpose

Through innovation and collaboration, we are building a climate-resilient food system with seaweed-based products for growers and farmers. We are committed to driving positive change, fostering prosperity for our First Nations partners, shareholders, and the planet.