Program Overview

Seaweed Production and Processing

Overview

The Seaweed Production and Processing program offers a comprehensive introduction to an emerging and sustainable industry. Coastal BC is known for its diverse seaweed species, which hold great potential as an underutilized food source. This program addresses the growing interest in seaweed production, highlighting its importance for sustainable food systems and its role in BC's Blue Economy.

Location

• Online and in-community

Length

• 3 months

Delivery

• Part-time
• In-person and digital

Overview

Unlock the hidden potential of seaweed in food, cosmetics, and biofuels. This program, taught by industry professionals, gives you a broad overview of the seaweed industry.

You'll learn:

• Biology
• Site operations
• Ethical business practices
• Economic impacts and more

Requirements and courses

Course requirements

• SWP-010: Introduction to Seaweed
  • This micro-credential course offers an overview of seaweeds, focusing on their biology, ecological importance, and various practical applications.
• SWP-015: Seaweed Product and Site Planning
  • This micro-credential course encompasses theoretical and applied learning inclusive of species and specifications and site specifications based on location and scale of production.
• SWP-020: Seaweed Production, Environmental, and Regulatory Requirements
  • This micro-credential course explores environmental considerations and requirements for sea and land-based production and cultivation versus wild-grow ecosystems.
• SWP-025: Seaweed Site Operations and Management
  • This micro-credential course includes site set-up and operational specifications and requirements for infrastructure operations.
• SWP-030: Seaweed Grow-Out and Traditional Practices
  • This micro-credential course focuses on species specific to British Columbia complemented by insight into grow-out operations and found in other regions of Canada and globally.
• SWP-035: Seaweed Harvesting, Processing, and Packaging
  • The micro-credential course is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage the entire post-harvest process of seaweed production.
• SWP-040: Seaweed Business Practices and Commercialization
  • This micro-credential course encompasses fundamentals of establishing a business from structure to developing a marketing plan.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 16 years old.

Schedule

• The program runs from Aug. 18 - Nov. 7, 2025.

Applied learning

• This is a self-paced online learning program with one-week of in-community applied learning.
• One evening each week, from 7-8:30pm, you'll participate in a live discussion with your peers.
• You can expect to dedicate approximately 20 hours each week to completing course materials.

Careers

• Employment may include harvesting and processing kelp, packaging seaweed products and kelp seeding on a farm.

Costs

• This program is fully funded by the Province of British Columbia.
• The costs of travel and accommodation to the in-community sessions are your responsibility.

Priority Admission

• Applicants from the following communities will receive priority admission:
  • Ahousat
  • Alert Bay
  • Bamfield
  • Bella Bella
  • Gold River
  • Kyuquot
  • Port Alberni
  • Port Alice
  • Port Hardy
  • Port McNeill
  • Sointula
  • Tahsis
  • Tofino
  • Ucluelet
  • Zeballos