Efforts to exploit marine seaweed resources in Quebec have so far been few and scattered, despite a known potential and an increasing interest by industries.  In 2009, the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles and Université Laval put their expertises in common to create a Center for Seaweed Research, Aquaculture and Development (CEVAM, for Centre d’Étude et de Valorisation des Algues Marines in french).  The mission of this new center is to stimulate research in phycology, offer information and training and encourage initiatives linked to the exploitation, aquaculture and transformation of marine macroalgae in Quebec. 

CEVAM’s specific objectives are to:

·          Promote the commercial potential of seaweed products.

·          Offer technical and scientific assistance to entrepreneurs and industrials.

·          Offer teaching and training to students, industries and the general public.

·          Create and operate an algoculture demonstration farm.

·          Publish information on seaweed culture, harvest and transformation and propose links to specialised resources in phycology.

·          Develop, coordinate and participate to fundamental and applied research programs in phycology.

·          Build a network with research centers, development agencies, and fisheries, aquaculture and transformation industries.