News Stories
Oyster breeding research aims to address the deadly effects of ocean acidification
July 22, 2024
Vancouver Island University collaborating with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans on research project. Ocean acidification is negatively changing the way oysters grow their shells. Shells are thinner, leaving oysters more vulnerable and resulting in their deaths. Shellfish are an integral part of BC’s aquaculture sector and important for Canada’s food security. Oysters are considered one of... Read more
Unveiling incredible Pentlatch fish trap panel exhibit at VIU’s Deep Bay Marine Field Station
July 9, 2024
A significant Pentlatch cultural Belonging unearthed by K’ómoks First Nation and archaeological collaborators is on public display for the next six months at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Deep Bay Marine Field Station. At 550 years old, the fish trap panel is an incredible and enduring example of Pentlatch cultural ingenuity. It is the largest and most complete of its kind on the... Read more
VIU researcher examining how microbes could protect frogs and Pacific oysters from diseases
November 22, 2023
Dr. Andrew Loudon received a $165,000 NSERC Discovery Grant to pursue his research. Dr. Andrew Loudon is working to protect the Columbia spotted frog from a deadly disease and breed a more disease-resistant and resilient Pacific oyster. The Vancouver Island University (VIU) microbiology professor’s research focuses on the relationship between animals and microbes. He’s looking into how these... Read more
VIU partners with brewery to raise awareness about ocean research
May 4, 2023
The special-made brew has a unique ingredient, algae, that sets it apart and pays homage to research at Deep Bay. Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Deep Bay Marine Field Station and Love Shack Libations are brewing up awareness about climate change research. They’ve partnered to create a gose-style beer called “There Gose the Ocean” that is launching at Victoria Beer Week during Lift Off!, a... Read more
5 Questions with Debra Hellbach
October 20, 2021
Debra Hellbach has been steering the helm as Manager of VIU’s Centre for Seafood Innovation (CSI) since April 2021. She brings a wealth of knowledge, including 35 years’ experience in the food processing industry, holds a degree in Food Science from the University of British Columbia, a Master’s degree in Professional Communication from Royal Roads University and was a Mitacs intern. “As Carl... Read more
VIU Receives $300,000 to Research Norovirus Contamination of Oysters
January 17, 2020
Research project focuses on helping the BC shellfish industry to forecast, manage and prevent risks to human health and multi-million-dollar losses associated with outbreaks. Dr. Tim Green, Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Canada Research Chair in Shellfish Health and Genomics, is developing new tools to help forecast and prevent norovirus contamination of farmed oysters thanks to $300,000... Read more
Deep Bay Marine Field Station Identified as Potential Regional Food Hub
August 6, 2019
Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Deep Bay Marine Field Station has been identified as a potential location for the establishment of a regional food innovation centre. Deep Bay is one of six sites in the province to receive funding from the provincial government to develop a feasibility study or business plan to determine the potential and capacity to offer a food processing centre in their... Read more