For Immediate Release
April 8, 2025
(Ottawa, ON) – Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC), together with the National Blue Bioeconomy Steering Committee, launched Canada’s Blue Bioeconomy Insights Report.
Only a fraction of Canada’s available marine resources, such as kelp and microalgae, are currently being utilized. These resources have immense potential to drive economic growth and ocean innovation by combining traditional practices with innovative technologies, allowing Canada to transform aquatic resources into high-value products like nutraceuticals, bio-based materials, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable energy sources.
Projections that the global seaweed industry alone will reach $28 billion annually by 2050 show there is substantial room for growth in the Blue Bioeconomy sector. Canada is uniquely positioned to lead the global transition to sustainable, science-driven aquatic industries, and innovations in aquaculture could allow Canada to bridge the gap between its current output and that of global leaders like Norway.
Under the efforts to support Ambition 2035, a 5X growth potential for Canada’s ocean economy, The Blue Bioeconomy National Steering Committee was formed. With the insights outlined in this new report from industry leaders, researchers, Indigenous leaders, and government officials from across Canada, The National Steering Committee will release a Strategic Approach for Canada to help further shape the rapid growth opportunities in the Blue Bioeconomy – an approach required to realize these opportunities.
A nationally connected Blue Bioeconomy strategy that leverages our strengths and addresses gaps will not only drive economic growth, but also contribute to environmental conservation and social well-being, positioning Canada as a global leader in this evolving field.
Through Ambition 2035 and together with Canada’s ocean community, we are bold in our ambition to grow Canada’s ocean economy 5X to $220 billion by 2035. Continued investment in the accelerated development and commercialization of globally relevant, made-in-Canada ocean solutions will help us realize this ambition. Read more about recommendations to help achieve this transformational growth opportunity outlined in Charting the Course to 5X Growth in Canada’s Ocean Economy.
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Media Contacts
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved more than 120 projects valued at more than $500 million, which will deliver more than 300 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world.
Quotes
“Canada’s ocean sector has a 5X growth potential that can help transform our economy, creating more jobs and positioning Canada as a leader in ocean innovation. Focused efforts on policy development, infrastructure investment, and collaboration between industry leaders and research institutions is imperative to achieving this ambition, including a thriving blue bioeconomy. We are thrilled to put forth this insights report as a step toward fulfilling Canada’s full potential as an ocean nation.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster