Highlights from the Kelp Summit in Vancouver

By Scott Bohachyk, Ocean Wise Director of Seaforestation

British Columbia’s seaweed industry is growing and holds great potential to deliver a variety of economic, social, and environmental benefits, particularly for coastal communities. At this early stage of the industry’s development, we have an important opportunity to design, implement, and monitor ocean-positive practices for seaweed cultivation to set a global example, improve ocean health, and support sustainable livelihoods.

While the seaweed industry is growing, natural kelp forests are facing multi-faceted threats from climate change, ecosystem imbalances, and pollution. Efforts to protect, restore, and monitor the health of kelp forests must accelerate to reverse the decline of these vital ecosystems.

With this in mind, Ocean Wise and the Pacific Seaweed Industry Association hosted the first ever Kelp Summit on October 25th at Ocean Wise headquarters in Vancouver . This event brought together 50 subject matter experts and kelp project collaborators including First Nation leaders, industry leaders, restoration groups, researchers, policymakers, funders, and NGOs to discuss three important topics.

1. How will kelp restoration efforts recognize and respect Indigenous Rights, Title, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge?
2. How can B.C.’s seaweed industry set a global example of ocean positivity?
3. How can industry, government, First Nations, and NGOs accelerate a healthier ocean together?

It was incredibly encouraging to participate in engaging conversations and see attendees arrive with such a readiness to collaborate – the panelists were able to guide us towards solutions-oriented dialogue with implementable action steps. Five key takeaways that stick with me coming out of the day are:

Best Practices vs. Wise Practices

We won’t find a one size fits all approach for kelp restoration and need to distinguish between “best practices” (often generalized) and “wise practices” (context-specific and culturally informed). Effective resource management for kelp forests will require adaptation to local contexts, respecting the unique cultural and ecological landscapes of different Indigenous Nations.

Prioritizing Indigenous Right and Title, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge:

A critical point was reiterated about the need for self-determination for First Nnations; to have the authority to make decisions and manage resources in ways that align with their values. Rather than relying on government structures that may not prioritize Indigenous perspectives. First Nation communities named the need for collaboration, not consultation, and genuine partnership to share knowledge and resources. This means providing space and support so Indigenous Nations show up early in the planning process.

Shared Language and Metrics

It is necessary to understand the impacts, both positive and/or negative, that kelp farms and restoration projects could have on the surrounding ecosystem. It is critically important we create a shared approach to monitoring and reporting these impacts. To ensure the industry, First Nations, and restoration groups have the tools to measure and monitor the health of kelp farms consistently, Ocean Wise and the Kelp Forest Alliance recently released the most comprehensive guidebook for monitoring the health of natural and restored kelp forests globally.

Go Slow, in a Hurry

We need to balance urgency with caution. We want to act on the existential threats that kelp forests are facing as quickly as we can, but we must have careful planning in place to avoid unintended consequences.  

Build a Market with Benefits

Ensuring coastal communities are educated about the seaweed industry is important for scaling up the industry successfully. A thriving kelp market is one that is not just ethical, sustainable, and ocean positive, but beneficial for coastal communities as well.  

To grow the seaweed industry sustainably and effectively restore and conserve kelp forests, we need both innovation and collaboration. Thank you to everyone who joined us at the summit. We’re excited to continue these conversations as we approach the International Seaweed Symposium in 2025.  

Scott Bohachyk, Director of Seaforestation