About Us
For industry. By industry.
The Pacific Seaweed Industry Association (PSIA) is a non-profit, member-driven, industry association that works to develop awareness around the benefits and diverse uses for seaweed. The association will collaborate with stakeholders and rightsholders 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.
Values
Education: providing relevant and essential information to seaweed industry stakeholders, members and partners.
Economic Opportunity: providing guidance for new business growth and supporting coastal economies in successful seaweed industry foundations.
Research & Resources: supporting ongoing research into key aspects of the industry and providing a place for members to access essential resources for industry success.
Industry Innovation: supporting and sharing new and reimagined ideas for progression within the industry.
Community & Connection: providing meaningful connections between stakeholders and building a strong seaweed community reaching across Canada and beyond.
Vision
Our vision is for a thriving and resilient seaweed industry across Canada where producers, Nations and industry partners are supported in gaining access to opportunities within the sector.
Mission
At the PSIA, our mission is to grow a strong Canadian seaweed industry by creating a collaborative sector for producers, Nations and industry partners.
Team
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Mark Smith is currently a Director of Small Business BC and has served as a Director and Chair of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, where he still Chairs the VIEA Foreign Trade Zone Vancouver Island initiative and the Foreign Direct Investment committee. Outside the PSIA, Mark is the President and CEO of Query Fusion, a multidimensional company working in the areas of technology, customer experience and distribution. Mark is passionate about working with leaders throughout diverse organizations in building a sustainable Vancouver Island economy and community.
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Jordan Hawkswell brings her experience in coastal ecology, science communications and education to the PSIA. Jordan has a passion for seaweeds and exploring their potential to provide sustainable opportunities for coastal communities while supporting a thriving ocean.
Jordan holds a B.Sc in Earth Science from Dalhousie University and an M.Sc in Planetary Science and Geology from Western University. She currently lives on Lekwungen territory where she loves to spend time in and around the ocean.
Board of Directors
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Jennifer Woodland is the Managing Director at Grieg Seafood BC Ltd., one of the world’s leading salmon farming companies.
Current Board Member of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA), Jennifer has over 20 years’ experience in aquaculture assisting companies on both coasts of Canada to improve their environmental performance, regulatory compliance, achieve third party environmental certifications and develop positive relationships with First Nation and local communities. She was awarded the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association’s Aquaculturist of the Year Award in 2014 for her leadership in developing a sustainable industry that revitalized the economy of several rural communities on the south coast of Newfoundland.
A native Newfoundlander, Jennifer grew up in the commercial fishery and has a passion for seafood and rural economic development.
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Bill Collin’s career spans almost 40 years and evolved from success in international science to success in business on the world stage. Bill was trained as a geologist and received a Master of Science degree from Memorial University. Since moving to the Victoria area in 1994 Bill has been responsible for bringing a locally invented sonar system to the world stage including sales to more than twenty navies and government institutions. As part of the ownership group of an award-winning high tech company, Bill has filled many corporate roles including M&A activities. Bill has a passion for creating and executing sound business plans and a strong belief in Vancouver Island business growth opportunities. He is currently the Chairman of Cascadia Seaweed on Vancouver Island.