An Analysis of the Social and Political Elements Influencing the Emerging Kelp Aquaculture Industry in British Columbia

The rise of the blue economy, as a political strategy, academic focus, and economic category, demonstrates strong global and regional desires for environmentally sustainable development in the marine space. Aquaculture is a key category in the blue economy. Seaweed aquaculture has been steadily increasing worldwide because of its potential to address multiple social priorities, such as environmental restoration, increased food production, and diversification of coastal industries. In British Columbia, there has been a rapid increase in businesses established around kelp aquaculture over the last decade. In this time frame there is also increased political and social interest in ocean economies. However, there is little regionally specific research on the strengths and hurdles that British Columbia holds for the industry, especially from a socio-political lens. This research utilized a grounded theory methodology. Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with a focus on understanding the goals of industry participants and their perceptions about the local opportunities and threats for kelp aquaculture. Analysis was conducted through open coding of interview transcripts and assessment of the most commonly coded ideas. Generally, interviewees involved in commercial kelp ventures indicated a strong sense of optimism for the industry. Findings show that the sustainability narrative surrounding seaweeds may have bolstered the success of the local kelp industry over the past few years, but momentum is largely driven by the discourse around its potential – not its proof of concept. The topics of food security, environmental benefits, and new economic opportunities for coastal communities were commonly raised as potential boons of the industry. The largest hurdle faced by the industry was seen to be the current governance and regulatory structures. Additionally, Indigenous relationships – and how Indigenous organizations and individuals are involved in the development of, and the benefits derived from the expansion of British Columbia kelp aquaculture – are an important consideration. This thesis provides a critical analysis of key topics related to the early development of the local kelp aquaculture industry in the context of the blue economy. Understanding the regionality of these elements is critical to translating good intentions into positive actions. This research concludes that, without renewed regulations, integrated spatial management plans, and incentives that allow socio-ecological priorities to dominate the pervasive capitalistic influence on product development, aquaculture expansion in British Columbia, at best, risks failing to meet its potential, and at worst, could further exploit or marginalize key stake and rights holders and threaten wild kelp ecosystems.

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