Deep Bay Marine Field Station

News Stories

Headshot of Dr. Andrew Loudon

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


Dave Paul, owner of Love Shack Libations, leans against a wooden counter. Beer bottles and a glass is on his right.

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


Debra Hellbach sits on the beach with a dog.

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’s Dr. Tim Green, Canada Research Chair in Shellfish Health and Genomics, is pursuing research to detect norovirus contamination in marine environments.

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


The Deep Bay Marine Field Station could play an important role in supporting marine agri-food businesses in the province.

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