The Deep Bay Marine Field Station

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Background

Agricultural field stations have played a transformative role in the “green revolution” of modern agriculture because they bring together industry, academic researchers and government – a tri-partite collaboration proven to be essential in supporting the innovation system that drives modern agriculture. We at the Vancouver Island University Centre for Shellfish Research are attempting to duplicate this successful model - but for shellfish farming – an economic engine for revitalizing coastal and First Nations communities. We have developed a unique concept for the Deep Bay Marine Field Station which integrates the traditional roles of field stations within a comprehensive framework of green energy design and demonstration.

Vancouver Island University's Centre for Shellfish Research Deep Bay Marine Field Station is currently under construction in the southern end of Baynes Sound on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Sustainable Shellfish Economic Development

The Deep Bay Marine Field Station will cluster scientific, environmental, economic and public engagement programming into one facility thereby creating a centre of excellence and innovation to support sustainable shellfish aquaculture development and preservation of coastal ecosystems.

Benefits

Empower First Nations to succeed in shellfish aquaculture businesses through effective training, mentoring and capacity building;

Strengthen the shellfish aquaculture innovation system by increasing interaction among scientific institutions, researchers and industry;

Sharpen the focus on applied research and accelerate knowledge application by linking research with training; Attain social acceptance through innovative public engagement programs, and;

Increase rural economic infrastructure in BC’s coastal communities.

Green Energy/Sustainable Building Demonstration

We are developing the Deep Bay Marine Field Station as a green design facility with anticipated LEED® Platinum accreditation to promote and showcase practical applications of alternative technologies for energy and water usage.

By assembling a design team led by Larry McFarland Architects Ltd., who designed the Parks Canada Gulf Islands Operations Centre (first LEED platinum building in Canada), we will build on a proven model, introduce further innovation and showcase these technologies and concepts.  In this way, the thousands of visitors to the Deep Bay Marine Field Station site will learn specifically about sustainable design and resource conservation and will be exposed to pathways for making a personal difference to their environment through reduction in carbon emissions and reduction of their ecological footprint in coastal British Columbia.

The Deep Bay Marine Field Station will be a keystone facility to enhance the research and innovation system supporting the development of a sustainable shellfish aquaculture industry in BC.

Your Support

VIU’s Deep Bay Marine Field Station relies on the generosity of donors and support from the community. There are many ways to contribute to this unique research and learning experiment. Donors can make a one-time gift or a pledge over three to five years for a more sustaining impact.

To learn how you can support Deep Bay contact Julie Keenan, Director, Development & Alumni Office at 250.740.6602 or julie.keenan@viu.ca today to find out how you can become a “green” partner by donating to the development and future programs at VIU’s Deep Bay Marine Field Station.

View more photographs of the Deep Bay Marine Field Station from ground breaking to the nearly completed facility.