The Vancouver Island University Fisheries and Aquaculture Department encompasses approximately 10,000 sq. ft. of facilities dedicated to education, applied research, technology transfer, and training. On campus facilities include a freshwater recirculating system as well as a saltwater recirculating system used to maintain all types of aquatic life. In addition there is also a tropical warm water fish hatchery, aquaponics greenhouse (white sturgeon and tilapia rearing) areas, an analytical and fish health laboratory, as well as a microscopy room.
The Centre for Shellfish Research (CSR) is a 8000 sq. ft. research facility located in building 473 at Vancouver Island University campus in Nanaimo. By situating the CSR adjacent to both the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Department of Biology, Vancouver Island University (VIU) has created a unique opportunity to facilitate the early stage development and streaming of bright and enthusiastic students toward careers and upper level studies in shellfish aquaculture. The Deep Bay Marine Field Station on Baynes Sound complements the CSR as a platform to field test CSR research results – as well as for training, technology development and public education.
The Centre for Innovation in Fish Health (CIFH)
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.