| Deep Bay Marine Field Station | |
|---|---|
| Formation | May 1, 2011 |
| Purpose/focus | Shellfish Research |
| Location | Deep Bay, British Columbia |
| Parent organization | Centre for Shellfish Resarch, Vancouver Island University |
The Deep Bay Marine Field Station is a marine biological research facility operated by the Centre for Shellfish Research of Vancouver Island University. It is located at Deep Bay, British Columbia on Vancouver Island, off the waters of Baynes Sound, 78 kilometres (48 mi) north-west of the main university campus at Nanaimo, British Columbia.
Facilities include a seawater tank farm, a laboratory, a demonstration shellfish farm and a combined research facility for shellfish aquaculture, marine ecology and water quality. The culinary program of VIU uses the kitchen facilities to prepare seafood and other dishes. Public events including weddings are accommodated. The building received the first LEED platinum rating [1] among Canadian universities and a 2011 National Green Buildings Award. Located on a 3 hectares (7.4 acres) site, it is accessed by a road topped with crushed oyster shells. Beetle-killed pine flooring and other BC wood products were used in construction. It opened in 2011.[2]
Early priorities are research concerning geoduck clams and the possibility of restoring native Olympia oysters in the area.[3] The goal of the facility is “supporting sustainable shellfish aquaculture development and preserving coastal ecosystems.” [4]