A unified voice in an exponentially growing market.
The Pacific Seaweed Industry Association
We are the unified voice for the pacific seaweed industry. Working as a broker of information and resources for its members to create a profitable blue economy.
The Pacific Seaweed Industry Association (PSIA) is a non-profit, member-driven, industry association that works to develop awareness around the benefits and diverse use-values for seaweed. The association will collaborate with stakeholders to develop educational material, new technology and promote innovation. The organization will also advocate to all levels of government for support of this emerging industry sector.
We are on a mission.
Growing the seaweed industry for a blue economy.
Priorities for success
Generate jobs
We are working to build out the seaweed industry from the pacific region. In doing so, jobs will be created and ultimately establish a profitable blue economy for all involved.
Create connections
We act as a broker of information and resources for members. We will connect you and work directly with you to make your business the best it can be.
Build community
We aspire to create a community within the seaweed industry. Working collaboratively between all members. In addition, providing conferences and workshops to build an active community
Why seaweed?
Seaweed cultivation &
food security
When considering a global population of 9 billion people before 2050, learning new ways to feed everyone will be a challenge that needs to be addressed. In addition, 70% of our limited freshwater and 50% of our land is currently used for agricultural purposes which creates more barriers. Seaweed offers one solution to multiple problems. By utilizing coastal waters, we reduce the reliance of freshwater for plant-based foods and open the door to an under-utilized space. With effective marine spatial planning and First Nations consultations, seaweed has the ability to provide the Pacific region not only with a novel source of local plant-based food, but also with a new source of income, particularly to remote coastal communities.
Seaweed growing facilities offer a low start-up cost relative to other marine activities like fish farming and can be started with little more than ropes, anchors, and a boat. In addition to the low costs of seaweed production, some species also boast a fast growth rate which not only means higher annual yields, but also a significant source of dietary nutrients. These benefits can be especially important when considering that seaweed can be grown along side some other marine activities.
Seaweed cultivation &
the environment
According to a UN report, in 2005 global seaweed production was bringing in less than 15 million tonnes which then grew to over 30 million tonnes in 2015. In the face of a changing climate, growing population, and decreasing arable land, these numbers are expected to grow. With 70% of our planet covered in water, there is an abundance of opportunity to develop our marine environment in a sustainable and non-extractive way.
Seaweed provides numerous environmental services and can be coupled with other marine activities to not only reduce their impacts on the marine environment, but also by acting as a carbon sink. A report on Swedish seaweed cultivation indicated numerous benefits such as improving biodiversity and aesthetics while reducing eutrophication and trace metals. Another report suggests that seaweed raised close to salmon farms can grow 50% faster and decreases the harmful effects caused by fin-fish aquaculture. Considering the low start-up costs for seaweed cultivation, the value added and environmental benefits could create a more viable industry. In addition, the global value of seaweed is expected to increase to more than US$22 billion by 2024 which would promote a sustainable blue economy for BC and the world.
Seaweed is different.
When we think of agricultural crops, typically seaweed is not on the forefront of our minds. That’s because seaweed differs from land use crops in a multitude of ways - for the better. Unlike land crops, seaweed requires no freshwater input, arable land use, or fertilizers. It is because of these reasons and its ability to grow a blue economy that makes it the crop that will create a sustainable future.
Are you ready to join the PSIA?
This emerging sector merges the benefits of both traditional farming and aquaculture to feed the planet in an environmentally sustainable manner, while creating jobs and economic sustainability for communities in both rural and urban areas. Representing growers, harvesters and a multitude of other stakeholders in the Pacific Region, the PGIA will be the unified voice of this exciting new industry.