Join us for the 2nd annual California Seaweed Festival!
OCTOBER 23, 2021 from 10AM - 5PM
IN PERSON at SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE
October 23, 2021
10am-5pm
JOIN US – It’s Free!
The California Seaweed Festival brings together seaweed farmers, scientists, artists and entrepreneurs to showcase the best of how we use and enjoy seaweeds on the coast of California.
WHAT TO EXPECT
All our virtual panels are free, and will occur daily from 4-5pm on our YouTube Channel. Check out the lineup below!
Farming
MONDAY | November 16, 2020
Seaweed farming can not only produce food for our growing population, feed for animals, can be used as biofuels, and made into bioplastic and medicine. Growing seaweed in the ocean does not take up land or need any freshwater and absorbs the greenhouse gas, CO2. This expanding regenerative and sustainable industry is gaining interest throughout the US and in California. Hear from local farmers and foragers about their fun adventures!
Food
TUESDAY | November 17, 2020
Humans have been eating seaweed for centuries, and many varieties are known for their delicious and nutritious profiles. From pasta, pickles, salsa verde, and sushi to umami flavor to vegan food. California cuisine is merging culinary traditions with accessible innovation. Learn a new recipe by tuning in!
Science
WEDNESDAY | November 18, 2020
Did you know that California is home to nearly 800 seaweed species? This high biodiversity has sparked the curiosity of scientists studying their biology, ecology, evolution and ecosystem services. Field and lab studies guide conservation and management in the state. Learning about seaweed is a tangible way for young people to learn and connect to the ocean. Even though seaweed and microalgae are the bottom of the marine food chain, they support and provide homes to many creatures. Hear about what scientists are studying!
Art
THURSDAY | November 19, 2020
Colorful seaweeds bring inspiration and connect us to the ocean. From jewelers, photographers, painters, and textile makers, seaweed art has unlimited possibilities. Check out a tutorial on seaweed pressing and learn to capture underwater footage of kelp forests!
Sustainable Innovation
FRIDAY | November 20, 2020
Entrepreneurs and engineers are pioneering the future of seaweed, expanding beyond food and leading the Blue Carbon revolution. Seaweed-based textiles, apparel, bioplastics, water reclamation, wellness products, and building materials all represent low carbon, highly sustainable alternatives to the status quo. Seaweed can help lighten our collective carbon footprint while driving a blue economy. Tune in to get inspired by innovators!
Community Involvement & Fun
SATURDAY | November 21, 2020
Conservation can be fun! From ocean-themed yoga to live action at the ocean, to different ways to play with seaweed, join us for an exciting day of play and creativity.
OUR STORY
The California Seaweed Festival arose from decades of studying seaweeds, admiring their beauty and learning myriad ways that seaweeds make life better. We want to share the beauty and diversity of seaweeds on our coasts.
GET INVOLVED
If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities, displaying and selling your seaweed products at the fest, teaching an activity, giving a presentation or volunteering at the event, we’d love to hear from you!
Help us celebrate seaweeds in California by becoming a sponsor!
Our 2020 Sponsors
Join us, we’re social!
It’s always a good time to celebrate seaweeds in California.
