By Spencer Sterritt

New VIU lab to help protect B.C. fish from climate change

Jan 14, 2019 | 4:29 PM

NANAIMO — The future of B.C. fish is believed to be in good hands with the creation and funding of a new lab at Vancouver Island University.

The Centre for Shellfish Research at VIU’s Nanaimo campus is being renovated with $215,000 in funding from the province. It will have more tanks and be able to conduct more elaborate and in-depth tests and research on B.C. fish stocks.

It’s designed to focus specifically on how to save fish in B.C. and make sure the oceanic food chain isn’t disturbed by climate change.

Researcher Richard Beamish, who’s launching an expedition to the northern Pacific this month, said having more testing space available is a critical part of protecting B.C.’s fishery future.

“Not only do we need research, we need research focusing on solving major problems. Fish and shellfish health is a key part of understanding what affects the overall production of seafood. This is great.”

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He said climate change is one of the biggest factors and challenges along the coast.

“There’s an urgency now in making sure research is focused on what the changes will be in the future.”

“Our coastal communities depend on healthy fish stocks for their economic, social and spiritual well-being,” minister of advanced education Melanie Mark said in a statement. She was slated to attend a press conference at the Centre but was delayed due to foggy conditions in the Georgia Strait.

“The new Centre for Innovation in Fish Health and VIU is going to help make sure our fisheries are viable and prosperous for generations to come.”

Renovations to the building are already underway.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit