About Us
For the Sector. By the Sector.
The Pacific Seaweed Association (PSA) is a non-profit, member-driven organization that works to raise awareness of seaweed's benefits and diverse uses. The association collaborates with stakeholders to develop educational materials, policies, new technologies, and innovations. We advocate at all levels of government to support our members and this emerging sector.
National Reach
At the PSA, we are laying the groundwork for a national seaweed network to unite and amplify Canada’s growing seaweed sector. This initiative brings together key stakeholders from coast to coast to coast: the Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic, and everywhere in between, recognizing the vital contributions of each region to the industry’s success. By fostering collaboration across provinces, territories, and sectors, we aim to build a cohesive, innovative network that supports sustainable growth and positions Canada as a global leader in the seaweed economy.
Visit the Canadian Seaweed Network to follow along.
Values
Education: providing relevant and essential information to seaweed sector stakeholders, members, and partners.
Economic Opportunity: providing guidance for new business growth and supporting coastal economies in successful seaweed sector foundations.
Research & Resources: supporting ongoing research into key aspects of the sector and providing a place for members to access essential resources for success.
Innovation: supporting and sharing new and reimagined ideas for progression within the sector.
Community & Connection: providing meaningful connections between stakeholders and building a strong seaweed community reaching across Canada and beyond.
Vision
Our vision is for a thriving and resilient seaweed sector across Canada where producers, Nations, and partners are supported in gaining access to opportunities within the sector.
Mission
At the PSA, our mission is to grow a strong Canadian seaweed sector by creating a collaborative environment for producers, Nations, and sector partners.
Team
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Mark Smith is currently a Director of Small Business BC and has served as a Director and Chair of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, where he still Chairs the VIEA Foreign Trade Zone Vancouver Island initiative and the Foreign Direct Investment committee. Mark is passionate about working with leaders throughout diverse organizations in building a sustainable Vancouver Island economy and community.
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Jordan Hawkswell brings her experience in coastal ecology, science communications, and education to the PSA. Jordan has a passion for seaweeds and exploring their potential to provide sustainable opportunities for coastal communities while supporting a thriving ocean.
Jordan holds a B.Sc in Earth Science from Dalhousie University and an M.Sc in Planetary Science and Geology from Western University. She currently lives on yuułuʔiłʔatḥ territory, where she loves to spend time in and around the ocean.
Board of Directors
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Jennifer Woodland is the Managing Director at Grieg Seafood BC Ltd., one of the world’s leading salmon farming companies.
Current Board Member of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA), Jennifer has over 20 years’ experience in aquaculture assisting companies on both coasts of Canada to improve their environmental performance, regulatory compliance, achieve third party environmental certifications and develop positive relationships with First Nation and local communities. She was awarded the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association’s Aquaculturist of the Year Award in 2014 for her leadership in developing a sustainable industry that revitalized the economy of several rural communities on the south coast of Newfoundland.
A native Newfoundlander, Jennifer grew up in the commercial fishery and has a passion for seafood and rural economic development.
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Bill Collin’s career spans almost 40 years and evolved from success in international science to success in business on the world stage. Bill was trained as a geologist and received a Master of Science degree from Memorial University. Since moving to the Victoria area in 1994 Bill has been responsible for bringing a locally invented sonar system to the world stage including sales to more than twenty navies and government institutions. As part of the ownership group of an award-winning high tech company, Bill has filled many corporate roles including M&A activities. Bill has a passion for creating and executing sound business plans and a strong belief in Vancouver Island business growth opportunities. He is currently the Chairman of Cascadia Seaweed on Vancouver Island.