International Centre for Sturgeon Studies opens at VIU

International Centre for Sturgeon Studies opens at VIU

With thousands of small fry already in residence and the big fish ready to move in soon, Vancouver Island University today celebrated the opening of the new $5.25-million International Centre for Sturgeon Studies (ICSS).

The state-of-the-art facility for sturgeon research is being completed in stages with tanks expected to be ready later this fall for prized brood stock, said ICSS Director Don Tillapaugh.

Rigorous testing has been undertaken to ensure healthy conditions for all the fish ranging from the under two gram sturgeon that hatched in early summer to the largest of the white sturgeon – up to two metres long and weighing in at 80 kilograms.

Partnerships with government, business, First Nations and coastal communities have played an important role in the evolution of sturgeon research at Vancouver Island University, said VIU President and Vice-Chancellor Ralph Nilson.

In addition to VIU, major funding for the new centre came from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, BC Knowledge Development Fund, Island Coastal Economic Trust, Western Economic Diversification Canada, Marine Harvest Canada and Community Futures WestCCAP.

The two-storey, 1,208-square-metre facility houses five wet labs for sturgeon of various ages and a dry lab for associated research.


VIU has been involved in sturgeon research since the 1980s. It is the only academic institution in western Canada to have captive white sturgeon brood stock--fish old enough to spawn. In 1991, researchers successfully conducted the first-ever captive spawning of Fraser River white sturgeon.

The International Centre for Sturgeon Studies was showcased at a conference of the North American Chapter of the World Conservation Society that attracted 120 specialists in the field to VIU in July.

VIU and the City of Nanaimo will host the 7th International Symposium on Sturgeon in 2013. The five-day symposium is expected to draw hundreds of educators, researchers, environmentalists, and sturgeon enthusiasts from around the world. The international symposium, which occurs once every four years, will be held at the ICSS and the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in downtown Nanaimo.

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Quotes:

VIU President and Vice-Chancellor Ralph Nilson: “The International Centre for Sturgeon Studies provides students, faculty and staff with labs and equipment that will enable us to learn more about sturgeon and sustainable practices to ensure their long-term viability as a source of food. Our funding partners, combined with the support of individual donors, will keep VIU in the forefront of aquaculture research.”

Dr. Gilles G. Patry, President and CEO for the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI): “This Centre serves as a model for building relationships and sharing science with communities — locally and internationally. It is clear that the Vancouver Island University understands the value of opening research to the public and the importance of partnering with local industries.”

Parksville-Qualicum MLA Ron Cantelon: “Vancouver Island University has taken its place on the world stage with cutting-edge research that is helping to protect this endangered prehistoric fish. Our government is delighted to see what our $1.6-million investment from the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund has helped to build, and we look forward to future discoveries at the International Centre for Sturgeon Studies.”

Phil Kent, ICET Vice-Chair and Mayor of Duncan: "The International Centre for Sturgeon Studies is another significant regional initiative supported by ICET which has long term economic benefits in the region. BC has the potential to be a world leader in aquaculture and this project responds to the growing global demand for sustainably produced seafood, produced with a science-based approach. This will benefit the coastal regions and the First Nations interested in pursuing this economic opportunity with the University."

Fact Sheet: International Centre for Sturgeon Studies

Project cost: $5.25 million

Location: Nanaimo campus

Purpose: Researchers use new facilities at the ICSS to address the conservation and protection of sturgeon species worldwide, and investigate the viability of environmentally responsible sturgeon aquaculture through land-based, closed containment facilities in BC and across Canada.

Design features: The 1208 square-metre ICSS includes state-of-the-art fish holding facilities, fresh water recirculation technology, five wet laboratories, a dry lab for sample processing and analysis, and lab equipment for specialized research in physiology, nutrition, health, husbandry and reproduction.

Project team:


Architectural Design Chernoff Thompson Architects


Structural Design Herold Engineering Ltd


Mechanical Design Cobalt Engineering


Electrical Design R.A. Duff & Associates Inc/MMM Group


Aquatic Systems Design JLH Consulting Inc. /Aquacare Environmental Inc


Civil Design Herold Engineering Ltd


Quantity Surveyor Advicas Consultants Group Inc

Conferences: The International Centre for Sturgeon Studies was showcased at a conference of the North American Chapter of the World Sturgeon Conservation Society held at VIU in July 2011.

VIU and the City of Nanaimo will host the 7th International Symposium on Sturgeon in 2013. The five-day symposium is expected to draw hundreds of educators, researchers, environmentalists, aqua-farmers and sturgeon enthusiasts from around the world. The international symposium, which occurs once every four years, will be held at the ICSS and the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in downtown Nanaimo.

Funding Partners:


• Canada Foundation for Innovation


• BC Knowledge Development Fund


• Island Coastal Economic Trust


• Western Diversification


• Community Futures WestCCAP


• Vancouver Island University


• Marine Harvest Canada

Websites:


International Centre for Sturgeon Studies:


Facilities Services and Campus Development:


VIU Office of Development and Alumni (for donations):

For further information, contact:


Don Tillapaugh


Director, Centre for Shellfish Research


Director, International Centre for Sturgeon Studies


Vancouver Island University


t. 250.740.6113 | c. 250.618.6056


don.tillapaugh@viu.ca


www.viu.ca/csr | www.viu.ca/sturgeon