Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announces $5M project to advance kelp farming and carbon fixation assessment

(Ottawa, ON) Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) announced the Verifying Ocean Climate Impacts Project to address the urgent need in the ocean industry for sustainable, scalable, and measurable solutions to evaluate kelp’s impact on carbon fixation, biodiversity, and ocean health.

Led by veritree Technology Inc. in Vancouver, BC, the project aims to develop robust methodologies for carbon fixation assessment, construct energy-efficient floats, establish microhatcheries for seed cultivation, train a skilled workforce, and implement an MRV system. Additionally, an Ocean Restoration SOP, with an integrated Ocean Index, will guide project evaluation.

Together with partner Coastal Kelp Inc., this project has a total value of almost $5 million where Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is contributing $2.1M under with the balance of funding coming from project partners.

The scalable design ensures benefits can be accessed across different regions, promoting inclusivity. The implementation of the Ocean Restoration SOP and Ocean Index empowers communities to manage local restoration projects, enhancing their sense of ownership and commitment to sustainability. Furthermore, the project aims to establish a complete value chain for verified ocean restoration impacts, positioning Canada as a leader in this field and providing a framework adaptable for global use.

By providing workforce development training in kelp farming and restoration techniques, this project creates sustainable employment opportunities, particularly in coastal and Indigenous communities. This not only supports economic growth but also fosters engagement in the blue economy.

Quotes:

“Our government is excited to support Canada’s Ocean Supercluster as it advances initiatives that promote sustainability while bolstering industry competitiveness and economic growth,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “The Verifying Ocean Climate Impacts project, one of three projects announced today, will support economic opportunities for coastal and Indigenous communities and will position Canada as a leader in sustainable ocean restoration practices.”

“Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is proud to co-invest in the Verifying Ocean Climate Impacts Project, recognizing the need for sustainable, scalable, and measurable solutions to evaluate kelp’s impact on carbon fixation, biodiversity, and ocean health,” said Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. “This project will help empower communities focused on restoration activity, creating jobs and new growth, and building towards a more sustainable ocean future.”

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 close to 100 projects which will deliver more than 220 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca

Media Contacts:
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca