Victoria, BC — Greater Victoria gears up to welcome an impressive gathering of industry experts, academics, Indigenous Peoples and students at the highly anticipated 25th International Seaweed Symposium from May 4 - 9, 2025.

Seaweed, a diverse group of marine macroalgae, has garnered significant attention in recent times, and for good reason. With a staggering array of over 10,000 known species found in various coastlines worldwide, seaweeds captivate scientists, environmentalists, and culinary enthusiasts alike. From the towering kelp forests swaying beneath the ocean's surface to the delicate and intricate patterns of red, green, and brown seaweeds that adorn rocky shores, their ecological importance and versatility cannot be overstated. As research continues to unlock the untapped potential of these marine marvels, seaweed emerges as a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and the extraordinary wonders our oceans hold. This culmination serves as the driving force behind the theme of the upcoming symposium, aptly titled 'Building on the Past to Propel the Seaweed Momentum.’

The International Seaweed Symposium (ISS) is a triennial event organized by the International Seaweed Association (ISA). The governing council of ISA determines the location of each symposium through a comprehensive bid process. In the upcoming symposium in Victoria, Dr. Kate Moran, President and CEO of Oceans Networks Canada at the University of Victoria, is co-leading the organizing committee which is already immersed in planning. Representatives from Cascadia Seaweed, the Pacific Seaweed Industry Association, and Professional Conference Organizers, Venue West, make up the organizing committee, which is still seeking volunteers. 

"Canada has the longest coastline in the world and our coastal waters are rich with life,” explains Moran. “The International Seaweed Symposium is the foremost international meeting for individuals and organizations who conduct seaweed research, advance its protection, farm and harvest seaweed, and develop seaweed products. We are thrilled to be hosting the next Symposium in Canada and look forward to welcoming global leaders in this field to exchange ideas, learn from each other, forge new partnerships, all while enjoying the beautiful coastal settings of Vancouver Island, British Columbia.”

"Greater Victoria provides an exceptional setting for the International Seaweed Symposium," expresses Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria. "The region has a strong commitment to advancing the marine sector and seizing related opportunities. By hosting the symposium, we can further our economic development objectives while showcasing our region's remarkable talent, educational institutions, and cutting-edge research facilities to esteemed global academics and industry leaders."

Stay up-to-date and receive exclusive invitations for the conference by bookmarking www.iss25.com and signing up for the email newsletter.

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Media Contact: 

Erin Bremner-Mitchell (she/her)         

Manager of Communications and Engagement

erin@cascadiaseaweed.com
1 778 351 4484