Malaspina University-College receives $252,000 from federal and provincial governments to expand the Centre for Shellfish Research

Tuesday (March 29) was a good day for the continued growth of Malaspina’s Centre for Shellfish Research (CSR).

Nanaimo MLA Mike Hunter was at Malaspina University-College to present a cheque for $252,000 from the Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) program.

"I’m delighted to present this cheque to the Centre for Shellfish Research," said Hunter.

"This is a real indication to me that the Centre is starting to achieve recognition for the role that it can play in the sustainable development of our shellfish aquaculture industry. It also gives Malaspina one more important asset in its position as the premier post-secondary institution in the region," he said.

Rich Johnston, president of Malaspina University-College, together with Dr. David Drakeford, Dean of Science and Technology, and Dr. Bill Pennell, Professor of Fisheries and Aquaculture, were at the Centre for Shellfish Research to accept the funds.

"Malaspina is delighted that these funds will allow the Centre to continue to build the infrastructure it requires to become a world-class shellfish research facility," said Johnston. "The early success of the CSR has quickly created the need for a second building phase to provide additional office space for researchers and staff."

Drakeford said that the Centre for Shellfish Research began in October 2001 as a partnership between the BC Shellfish Growers Association and Malaspina University-College.

"During a relatively short period of less than four years, the CSR has emerged as the focus for a coordinated approach to shellfish aquaculture research and training in B.C.," said Drakeford.

The CSR has already established one comprehensive research program in the area of ecological interactions, while a second program is in its formative stages. The ecological interactions research program endeavors to link the development of a sustainable shellfish aquaculture industry in B.C. with conservation of coastal marine ecosystems. The program is generating essential data on the role of marine shellfish aquaculture in B.C.’s coastal ecosystems. The program is under the direction of Dr. Penny Barnes, an eminent research scientist who holds a Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Aquaculture Development at the CSR.

"This new infrastructure funding is essential to provide space for research staff for our next research program area," said Don Tillapaugh, Director of the CSR.

"To remain competitive, the shellfish industry needs research to investigate urgent production related issues. A new research scientist and technician will be hired to form the core of this exciting research area which will complement the work of Dr. Barnes," he said.

WEPA is a $50-million joint federal/provincial program supporting economic development in B.C. Western Economic Diversification Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development jointly administer the program.