Episode 5 : Restoring Kelp, Revitalizing Language: A Conversation with Lyndsay Silvestre

Recorded at the Pacific Seaweed Summit in Campbell River, this episode features Lyndsay Silvestre, an emerging leader in British Columbia's seaweed sector whose work brings together ecological restoration, aquaculture, Indigenous knowledge, and community food systems.

Lyndsay shares how integrated multi-trophic aquaculture can support healthier coastal ecosystems, why restoring kelp forests matters for both marine life and communities, and the inspiration behind her Seaweeds of Campbell River poster, which helps preserve local Indigenous languages by teaching listeners how to pronounce the names of seaweed species.

Whether you're interested in seaweed farming, ecosystem restoration, or building more resilient food systems, this conversation offers an inspiring look at the people and ideas shaping the future of Canada's blue economy.

Here is the link to the language video by Kirsten Dobler from the poster created collaboratively by Lyndsay Silvestre and Kirsten Dobler with support from Rhianna Nagel and Sara Child at North Island College.

Building BC's Seaweed Sector with Mark Smith

Recorded live at the Pacific Seaweed Summit in Campbell River, this episode features Mark Smith, Executive Director of the Pacific Seaweed Industry Association and leader of the Canadian Seaweed Network.

Mark shares his perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing Canada's growing seaweed sector, from product development and market validation to processing infrastructure and scaling the industry responsibly. We discuss what aspiring entrepreneurs should know before starting a seaweed business, the importance of industry collaboration, and where some of the biggest opportunities exist across the seaweed value chain.

Whether you're curious about seaweed farming, value-added products, or the future of Canada's blue economy, this conversation offers practical insights from someone helping shape the industry's growth.

Learn more about the Pacific Seaweed Industry Association at seaweedindustry.ca

This episode is part of our Pacific Seaweed Summit series, featuring conversations with researchers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and community members working to shape the future of seaweed in British Columbia and beyond.

Episode 3: Applied Research, Real Impact: How VIU Supports Seafood Entrepreneurs

What does a working marine research station have to do with building a seafood business?

In this episode of The Seafood Entry Point, we take you inside the Deep Bay Marine Field Station on Vancouver Island where research, industry, and community come together to shape the future of seafood.

We’re joined by Carl Butterworth, Director of Research Operations and Industry Engagement at Vancouver Island University, to break down how applied research directly supports seafood entrepreneurs, farmers, and coastal communities.

From oyster health and climate adaptation to kelp innovation and value-added products, this conversation highlights how real-world research creates real-world opportunity.

We also get into:

• How universities can support small-scale seafood businesses
• Why industry partnerships matter more than you think
• The role of education, students, and applied learning in the sector
• Emerging opportunities in kelp, shellfish, and value-added products
• Practical advice for getting started (even without a business background)

If you’ve ever wondered where science fits into seafood (or how to turn challenges into opportunities) this episode is your entry point.

Thinking about starting a seafood business but not sure where to begin?

In this episode of The Seafood Entry Point, Olivia breaks down business planning into simple, practical steps, so you can move from idea to action without getting stuck in overwhelm.

Instead of diving into complicated business plans, this episode focuses on what actually matters at the start: understanding if your idea is viable.

You’ll learn:

• What business planning really is (and what it isn’t)
• Why planning is especially important in the seafood sector
• The 5 key questions every entrepreneur should ask early on
• How to assess whether your idea can make money
• Why starting small and using your network can accelerate your progress

Whether you're exploring aquaculture, processing, harvesting, or a value-added product, this episode will help you build a clear starting point...and avoid common early mistakes!

Your next step:
Grab a notebook and answer the five questions outlined in this episode. That’s your foundation.

Explore the Resource Hub:
Find tools, guides, and business planning resources to help you move forward https://deepbay.viu.ca/seafood-entry-point/resource-hub

Episode 1: Welcome to The Seafood Entry Point

Thinking about getting into the seafood industry, but not sure where to start?

This first episode is your introduction to The Seafood Entry Point. Hosts Olivia Alexander and Dr. Andrew Loudon share their backgrounds — from business development to applied marine research — and why they created this podcast.

They break down:

• Why the seafood sector can be hard to navigate
• Where the real opportunities are right now
• What you can expect from upcoming episodes
• How the resource hub will help you take action
  

Whether you're exploring a new business idea, looking for a career shift, or just curious about the industry...this is your starting point.