Join us June 9 & 10 for Kelp Fest 2026!
The EAC is excited to bring our Atlantic Canada Kelp seafarming network together again to learn, share updates, check out products and resources and keep the sector momentum growing!
Date and timing: Tuesday, June 9 (starts at 1 p.m.) through Wednesday, June 10 (ends at 5 p.m.)
Location: Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Reception: Evening on Tuesday, June 9
Field trips: Thursday, June 11 (details to be announced)
Cost: FREE to attend (including reception, lunch and snacks!)
To learn more, check out the sections below — and stay tuned for program details!
What to expect at Kelp Fest 2026
What to expect at Kelp Fest 2026
What's happening at Kelp Fest this year? Here are a few upcoming highlights:
- New economic analysis on sector viability from the EAC, the Verschuren Centre and Saint Mary’s University – a dive into the numbers and context of our region, from farm costs to biomaterial product opportunities
- Patient investing – why this type of capital and support is so important for the cultivated kelp sector to grow sustainably
- The shellfish-kelp nexus – the economic and ecosystem benefits of multispecies seafarming
- Regulations and commercialization realities – a new regulatory review from East Coast Environmental Law and the EAC, covering Atlantic farming regs and federal product related regs — plus insights from businesses trying to navigate them
- Sector governance models – how to support independent farmers, build processed volume, share risk, remain sustainable and learn from what other jurisdictions and sectors are trying
- Research updates – from genetics to farming, hear from our amazing Atlantic Canadian researchers
- Nursery problem solving – a focus on peer-to-peer learning, innovations big and small, what’s working and what’s not
- Kelp connections – engaging speakers, networking opportunities and field trips!
PLUS: Opening reception featuring kelp-based hors d’oeuvres and cocktails!
AND: Exhibition booths showcasing kelp-based products, resources and support organizations for the sector!
Want to be an exhibitor at Kelp Fest?
Do you have a kelp-based product or test product to showcase? Does your business or organization offer services, investments or resources for seafarmers or kelp entrepreneurs?
Reach out to us to secure an exhibition booth at kelp.kurious@ecologyaction.ca.
Spaces are limited. We want to keep Kelp Fest small to focus on practitioner sharing and networking. You will be added to a wait list when our registration cap is reached.
For all questions or media enquiries, please contact kelp.kurious@ecologyaction.ca.