Deep Bay Marine Field Station

About Us

The Deep Bay Marine Field Station is a marine research and education facility located in Bowser, British Columbia, on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, Canada. It is operated by Vancouver Island University.

The primary purpose of Deep Bay Marine Field Station is to support research and provide educational opportunities in the fields of marine biology, aquaculture, and marine ecosystem management. The station offers a unique platform for scientists, students, and industry professionals to collaborate on locally impactful research projects, address pressing environmental issues and promote sustainable aquaculture practices.

The mandate of Deep Bay Marine Field Station is threefold:

  1. Research: The station supports and facilitates scientific research focused on understanding and conserving marine and coastal ecosystems and the aquaculture industries that operate there. It serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research projects, with a particular emphasis on applied research that can inform aquaculture management and policy decisions.

  2. Education: Deep Bay Marine Field Station plays a crucial role in providing hands-on educational marine science experiences for students and the public. It hosts school field trips, public workshops and events, and university courses that promote environmental literacy, marine conservation, and sustainable resource management.

  3. Community Engagement: The station actively engages with local communities, stakeholders, and Indigenous partners to foster meaningful collaborations. It strives to enhance community awareness, involvement, and understanding of marine and coastal issues through outreach initiatives, public events, and partnerships.

VIU's Deep Bay Marine Field Station serves as a vital centre for research, education, and community engagement, with a focus on both shellfish aquaculture and protecting and preserving coastal and marine environments for current and future generations.


Contact Us

Deep Bay Marine Field Station

Mailing Address: VIU, 900 Fifth St. Nanaimo, BC  V9R 5S5

Physical Address: 370 Crome Point Road, Bowser, BC  V0R 1G0

General Tel: 250.740.6611

General Email: DeepBay@viu.ca

Male portrait

Carl Butterworth

Station Manager

250.740.6399 

woman in lab

Sarah Leduc

Lab Coordinator

250.753.3245 Ext. 3004

Marnie Branfireun & Allison Roberts

Public Education Coordinators

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