VIU’s Centre for Shellfish Research is at the VIU Nanaimo campus. Recent infrastructure funding has created containment labs for:
- molecular genetics
- microbiology
- histology
- aquatic containment in-vivo labs for aquatic animal health studies on finfish and invertebrates.
Collaboration with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has enabled the establishment of an accredited marine biotoxin testing laboratory, creating capacity to support Indigenous shellfish initiatives.
Members of the Centre for Shellfish Research can access the world-class facilities at VIU’s Deep Bay Marine Field Station. And research excellence is supported by broad collaborations with:
- federal and provincial governments
- First Nations
- economic development corporations
- NGOs
- industry
Deep Bay Marine Field Station
The Deep Bay Marine Field Station is a nationally unique facility with a Federally-licensed shellfish hatchery and marine farm that supports a genetic selection program for Pacific oysters and Yesso scallops in partnership with the British Columbia’s Shellfish Growers Association (BCSGA). The Station boasts dedicated scientific laboratories, conference space, and a commercial kitchen for market development of seafood products. Through partnerships, the station has mobile laboratories devoted to kelp restoration with the Bamfield Marine Science Centre (BMSC), and an oceanographic mooring with Ocean Networks Canada (ONC).
Meet the director
Dr. Tim Green, Director of the Centre for Shellfish Research and Canada Research Chair in Shellfish Health and Genetics, is an internationally recognized expert in aquaculture, is study the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of shellfish adaption to these stressors with an expected outcome of the implementation of a selective-breeding program to future-proof the Canadian shellfish industry against these challenges.
Check out this YouTube video to learn more about Deep Bay and Dr. Green’s research
Apply for a Canada Impact+ Research Chair
Are you advancing an ambitious and transformative marine science research program? We are seeking an outstanding, internationally-based researcher for nomination to the Canada Impact+ Research Chair.
Nomination process
There are two stages to the Impact+ nomination process:
- Submit your application here: Canada Impact Plus Research Chair (2882) | VIU
• Review the application instructions.
• Gather your required materials.
• Submit your application as early as possible and no later than the closing date, March 23, 2026. - Nomination by VIU
• The successful applicant will work with VIU to develop their nomination for the Impact+ program.
• Upon approval by the Impact+ program, a successful applicant will be appointed as a faculty member, starting between November 2026 and December 2027.
See the posting for more information or contact srca@viu.ca.
Eligibility
Applicants must be:
- Working and residing outside of Canada at the time of the application deadline.
- Internationally renowned scholars and scientists in areas of strategic importance to Canada, with a recent track record of research accomplishments and significant interest in making new contributions to Canada.
Living in Nanaimo
Nestled on the East Coast of Vancouver Island, and recently ranked the 2nd best Canadian city for quality of life, Nanaimo offers an exceptional place to live and work. It holds the top spot in British Columbia due to a high climate index and very short commute times. As home to VIU, the city supports a vibrant academic community with strong institutional supports, deep community connections, and a commitment to student-centred learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a mild climate, safe and welcoming neighbourhoods, and easy access to Vancouver and the mainland, Nanaimo offers an outstanding quality of life for faculty and their families.