Seaweed research

Our seaweed research focuses on the cultivation, valorization and sustainability of Canada's seaweed resources.

Frequently overlooked as a valuable natural resource, seaweed is a critical component of coastal ecosystems because it provides vital habitats for marine life. Seaweed populations also contribute to the carbon cycle by removing CO₂ from seawater, provide key information for monitoring ocean health, and offer a range of sustainable economic opportunities.

With a multidisciplinary team of experts and our globally recognized marine research station, we enable critical seaweed research to support the marine biotechnology sector, both in Canada and internationally.

Focus

• Protecting seaweed resources: Developing tools and technologies to protect Canada's abundant seaweed resources and the ecosystems they support
• Sustainable seaweed aquaculture: Developing innovative strategies to improve the sustainability of seaweed farming while mitigating challenges such as climate change
• Biobanks for preservation: Creating living biobanks to preserve seaweed genetic diversity, characterize varieties for aquaculture, and protect loss of ecosystems from climate change

Research areas

Seaweed cultivation and biotechnologies

• Developing and deploying new technologies for onshore seaweed cultivation, coastal seaweed farming and ecosystem restoration
• Conducting chemical and molecular analysis of seaweeds to identify the most appropriate species and cultivars for aquaculture activities and marine habitat restoration
• Developing seaweed germplasm banks and cultivating seed materials for aquaculture deployment, product development and coastal restoration
• Maintaining a nursery and supplying out-planting materials for seaweed restoration projects, including the restoration of a locally unique variety of Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) in Prince Edward Island's Basin Head Marine Protected Area
• Isolating and screening seaweed strains for the production of high-value bioproducts (e.g., pigments, polysaccharides and bioactive molecules)
• Producing seaweed biomass in a controlled tank environment for a variety of end uses

Sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima)

• Studying the characteristics and genetics of natural sugar kelp populations throughout Canadian waters
• Identifying kelp populations and individual strains that are more resilient to environmental changes
• Developing technologies to support a sustainable, predictable and robust crop of kelp for aquaculture
• Combining a gametophyte germplasm bank and novel photobioreactor production systems to create new kelp nursery technologies
• Finding practical strategies for reseeding kelp populations that are under stress
• Leveraging the biology of kelp to reduce pollution in coastal waters
• Developing deployable solutions for kelp reforestation using green gravel and related technologies

Kelp restoration efforts

We are evaluating a kelp restoration method using gravel-based cultivation. Kelp spores are collected, attached to gravel, and monitored in controlled underwater environments to assess their growth and effectiveness in restoring depleted kelp beds.

Make your innovation our next project

Our seaweed research is driving innovation for Canada's blue economy. Our biotechnologies and state-of-the-art facilities promote sustainable growth, helping transform aquatic bioresources into commercial opportunities while maintaining healthy marine environments.

Together, we can bridge innovation gaps, strengthen the economy, and expand global markets for Canadian industries. Let's collaborate to turn your innovative ideas into reality.