Centre for Shellfish Research
The Centre for Shellfish Research is an International Centre of Excellence in shellfish aquaculture providing leading edge research facilities to academic, government and industry collaborators focusing on sustainability, animal production and technology development; facilitating technology transfer, filling education and training needs with relevant curricula in appropriate settings; ensuring knowledge mobilization through innovative communications programs and generating public confidence and support through community and First Nations involvement.
Shellfish farming’s green credentials, both in terms of its benefit to the environment and profitability, led Vancouver Island University to make a bold investment in the Centre for Shellfish Research (CSR) in 2001. CSR launched three critically important research programs:
Ecological Interactions Research Program investigates sustainable shellfish practices ensuring that environmental protection and a vibrant industry go hand-in-hand.
Shellfish Health and Husbandry Research Program undertakes research projects to improve productivity and economic viability to drive new investment, expansion and diversification in the industry.
Social Sciences Research Program
facilitates interdisciplinary research to ensure social health and benefits to coastal communities
Learn more about the Centre for Shellfish Research
Deep Bay Marine Field Station
The Deep Bay Marine Field Station (DBMFS) supports both pure and applied coastal and marine research activities related to: sustainable shellfish aquaculture development; preservation of coastal ecosystems; and inter-disciplinary projects involving local communities. The Field Station brings the experience and model of traditional agricultural field research stations to:
Support and sustain shellfish resources and farming through applied research and development,
Promote responsible coastal development that protects the marine environment through research and public education,
Demonstrate green building technology through one of the most sustainable buildings in Canada
Provide training opportunities for training for industry, for VIU students and for community,
Conduct culinary programs through our partnership with the fantastic Culinary Institute of Vancouver Island
To provide a special purpose local community venue that will support local events
Learn more about the Deep Bay Marine Field Station
Centre for Innovation in Fish Health
Located on Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus, the Centre for Innovation in Fish Health was created to function as an independent and self-contained aquatic research laboratory focusing on local aquatic animal health issues in cooperation with regional academic institutions, government agencies, and the local aquaculture industry. The centre’s goal is to improve the understanding of environmental interactions with wild and cultured fish, investigate new aquatic health products and opportunities, and serve as a centre for training fish health personnel.
The CIFH wet lab facility includes two independent, environmentally controlled research chambers, each containing recirculation aquaculture systems which can be utilized for both fresh and saltwater projects.