Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

North Island College will work with Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood LP, a First Nation owned seafood company, to grow kelp at four of their shellfish farms off the west coast of Vancouver Island. The project will span one kelp-growing season (6-months) and will determine the optimal growing depth, necessary infrastructure, production potential, and nutritional quality of kelp at these locations. *Kelp and other ""sea vegetables"" are a traditional food source of coastal First Nations and part of an emerging aquaculture sector in Canada. Globally, seaweed cultivation is a multi-billion dollar industry based mostly in Asia. Kelp requires zero freshwater, arable land, fertilizer, or any other inputs to grow. In fact, kelp aquaculture can help improve water quality at local scales by removing nutrients associated with anthropogenic pollution, such as carbon and nitrogen. Kelp aquaculture is therefore an economic opportunity that is well aligned with the sustainability and environmental stewardship values of the Nuu-chah-nulth member nations and of many Canadians. *By the end of the project, Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood LP will have gained the skills and knowledge needed to scale-up kelp production and diversify their seafood product line, which is currently limited to shellfish and finfish products. In addition, at least two NIC Aquaculture Technician students will have gained hands-on experience related to kelp and shellfish aquaculture. This project will allow Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood LP to reach well-established global markets as well as new Canadian consumers. The knowledge gained will be shared amongst the Nuu-chah-nulth member nations and will allow Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood LP to continue leading by example for many Aboriginal communities interested in seafood harvesting and production.*