Local producer shells out for shellfish research field station

DEEP BAY – Vancouver Island University has received a $30,000 gift from Fanny Bay Oysters. 

“The donation of $30,000 worth of oyster shells will be used in environmentally-friendly paving materials at the university’s Deep Bay field station site,” announced university President Dr. Ralph Nilson.

According to Nilson, the university is in the process of establishing what they believe will be a world class research station in Deep Bay.  “Community support is essential as we move forward with the construction of this important research facility,” he said. “We’ve been successful in identifying $4.3 million towards this critical infrastructure project.  Another $4.3 million is required before construction can begin.”

“The university’s vision is that the Centre for Shellfish Research (CSR) Deep Bay Field Station will become a key resource for government, industry, researchers and communities to grow a sustainable and profitable shellfish industry in BC,” said CSR Director, Don Tillapaugh. “By clustering social, economic, environmental and scientific programming in one facility, we hope to create a centre of excellence and innovation that commands the attention of the world’s shellfish growers and consumers.”

“I am proud to support VIU’s proposal to build a research field station at Deep Bay,” said Bill Taylor, President and CEO of Fanny Bay Oysters. “My family have been shellfish farming in the region for over a century, and I believe this project will provide the economic stimulation the industry needs to take it to the next level.”

Community support is growing for the state-of-the-art facility.  The VIU Shellfish Campaign Committee was recently established, chaired by former VIU Board Chair and businessman Don Hubbard. 

“The Deep Bay field station combines academic research with practical application that will help VIU and Vancouver Island grow the shellfish industry on the BC coast,” said Hubbard.  “The field station will deliver significant benefits for existing business and industry, First Nations and our coastal communities.”

It is estimated that construction of the field station will generate 60 full-time construction jobs, 15 new direct jobs, numerous indirect jobs in local communities and 1000 new jobs in the shellfish industry over the next 5-10 years.